Potton aug 15

VILLAGER The

Issue 108 - August 2015

and Town

Life

LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

Inside this issue

Tropical Paradise Win Tickets to the Cruise Show, Birmingham Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People

in Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton, Gamlingay and all surrounding villages 11,000 copies delivered to over 30 towns and villages every month To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Contents Will B’s Diner

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Memories of the Birth of Scouting.............................................4 Are Extended Warranties Worth the Money?..............................8 Choosing a New Sofa................................................................10 Win Tickets to the Cruise Show, Birmingham...........................13 Where Am I?............................................................................14 Busk Till Dusk...........................................................................16 Will B’s Diner............................................................................18 Bhutan - Taktsang, the Tiger’s Lair............................................22 Heritage, History and Heartbreak.............................................24 Why Breast is Best....................................................................26 Belle of the Beach....................................................................29 Green Garden Park Ltd.............................................................30 Fun Quiz...................................................................................32 Sandy Town Council and Information Centre............................35 Walk On Fire!............................................................................38 More Top Tips for Fundraisers and Charities..............................40 Are you Birding, Twitching or Watching?..................................43

VILLAGER The

Issue 108 - August 2015

and Town

Life

LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

Inside this issue

Tropical Paradise Win Tickets to the Cruise Show, Birmingham Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People

in Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton, Gamlingay and all surrounding villages 11,000 copies delivered to over 30 towns and villages every month To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

ur Yo EE FRcopy

Credit Cards for the Life Stages.................................................44 Lounge India............................................................................48 Tropical Paradise......................................................................50 Rural Ramblings.......................................................................53 Spiders from the Fork...............................................................55 Bedford and District Handicapped Riders Association..............56 Animal Heroes..........................................................................58 Potton Vets...............................................................................61 Russell Grant’s Horoscopes.......................................................62 Children’s Page.........................................................................64 Honda Civic Type R...................................................................67 A Holiday in East Sussex...........................................................69 Seasonal Delights.....................................................................70 What’s On.................................................................................74 Beer at Home...........................................................................77 Puzzle Page..............................................................................80 Prize Crossword........................................................................86 Book Review............................................................................92

Lounge India

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Editorial - Catherine Rose, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Susan Brookes-Morris, Barry Ingram, Alison Runham, Kate Duggan, Toni Hasler, Kate McLelland, Ann Haldon, Pippa Greenwood, Geoff Wharton, Potton Vets, RSPCA, Andy Mydellton, Russell Grant, Wayne Gorrett, Ted Bruning and Bruce Edwards

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial

Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography Iulia Iun, Emma Porter and Darren Harbar Photography

Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

History Gillian Clay at Baden-Powell Way

Memories of the

Birth of Scouting

The international Scout movement’s founder, Lord Robert Baden-Powell hoped that Scouting would be “a tool of peace for the world” according to his granddaughter Gillian Ella St Clair Clay.

“He believed that if everyone had the same values, learned the same skills, played the same games, sang the same silly songs, and had the same attitude towards helping people, they wouldn’t want to fight each other” she says.

Gill, who was born in South Africa in June 1937 to the Baden-Powells’ daughter Betty and her husband Gervas Clay, came to Bedfordshire all the way from her home in Wales in June of this year to officially name the longest Baden-Powell road in Europe Baden-Powell Way on the new Kings Reach Estate in Biggleswade. She was accompanied by her great nephew and the great great grandson and granddaughter of Lord Robert, seven-year-old Cub Scout Oscar Clay and his six-year old sister Beaver Scout Anna, who unveiled a commemorative plaque that has a history of their famous ancestor.

Part of Bedfordshire’s Green Wheel Pathway, when it is open, Baden-Powell Way will be 2 km (1.2 miles)

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By Catherine Rose

long. It joins many roads named after Baden-Powell worldwide including the Baden-Powell Trail in California, the Lord Baden-Powell Drive in Australia’s Wagga Wagga, and the Baden Powell Drive along the coast from Cape Town, South Africa. It is linked to other streets on the King’s Reach Estate that have been named in honour of Biggleswade and District Scouts following their contribution to the community, including the planting of 100 trees on the Green Wheel Pathway during their centenary.

The groups were re-dubbed during the space race of the 1960s hence there is Planets Way, Jupiter Way, Neptune Drive, Mercury Lane, Gemini Lane and Erris Avenue.

Gill was raised with the first-hand knowledge that “Scouting is fun” from her grandmother Olave, Lord Robert’s wife and was a Brownie in England by the time she was eight and a half. Although she was put on her grandfather’s knee from a young age, it is her grandmother Olave who she remembers best and she very kindly shared her family album exclusively with The Villager in the photos published here.

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Bedfordshire’s Premier Kitchen

& Bedroom Showroom Since 1974 We would like to welcome you to our new showroom at:

The Old White Horse, 1 High Street, Biggleswade SG18 0JE

Tel: 01767 314344 Email: dave@lolineinteriors.co.uk Web: lolineinteriors.co.uk

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Gillian as a child with her mother and grandmother, Lady Baden-Powell Olave, 20 years his junior, met Robert Baden-Powell when they travelled together on the SS Arcadian to New York in 1912. He was already famous for his involvement in the newly-formed Scouting movement. Each Scout in England donated a penny to buy them the wedding gift of a car.

“My grandmother was great fun. We absolutely loved her” said Gill, recalling visits to Olave for treats.

“I remember her getting ready for some event, polishing her shoes and badge.”

When Gill led her own Brownie group, Olave inspected it, captured here in this rare photo. It becomes clear that both Gill and her mother had no choice when it came to their involvement with Scouting (nor would they have wanted to). Gill tells the story of how one of her brothers came home from Cubs and announced he had volunteered their mother to be the next Akela.

Betty, who died in 2004, was Colony Commissioner for northern Rhodesia. After retirement, she continued as Gill’s assistant Brownie leader. Today, at 78, Gill still works as an assistant Beaver Scout leader, having been a leader for a decade at Beavers and for 18 years at Cubs.

In 2007 for the first time, girls were officially allowed to join Cubs and Scouts. With a blurring of the traditional gender divide, the official line is that both movements have slightly different aims, with Guides having a ‘young women in society’ focus and Scouts being open to all. Gill hopes that Scouts remains “boyish” but admitted she is very glad girls can be in Scouts.

“My daughter would have loved to be in it” said Gill. “She always participated in everything but she couldn’t do badges.

“I think that which one you choose will depend on where your friends and family go. Activities vary with the leaders. Some leaders are very adventurous and others opt more for craft-based pursuits” but adds “They can both do everything”.

She adores Bear Grylls, the ‘survival’ celebrity who was appointed as Chief Scout and the public face of Scouting in 2009. “I think Bear Grylls is wonderful” she said. “He and Peter Duncan have completely transformed the attitude of the media towards

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Scouting. For a long time, it wasn’t cool to be in Scouts and Guides. Now it is cool!”

Whether cool or not, “millions of people have lived and are currently living in the Baden-Powell way” - something that Gill points out in her speech when naming the road not just after her famous grandfather, but after his vision too. The ‘BadenPowell Way’ stands for “helping others and finding fulfilment and happiness”.

On the day of the event, the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis; the Town Mayor Hazel Ramsey; the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Lady Isabelle and local counsellors joined Gill with Biggleswade and District Scouts and Guides to celebrate. The day began with a traditional soap box derby.

Helen Nellis is also patron of Youth United which was launched in Bedfordshire in 2014. Its aim is to bring together young peoples’ community groups so that resources can be pooled. It also hopes to encourage more adult leaders to come forward.

Helen believes Scouts is invaluable in teaching the social and life skills not necessarily learned at school. “Through camping, outdoor activities and sociability, the Scouting movement teaches young people confidence, teamwork and high self esteem which are the things you need in life. Children learn early on about helping in their community” she said.

“It is rewarding and enjoyable for adults too. Once they dip their toe in the water, they usually stay for around 30 years!”

Four of those young people are Emilia de Luca, Dan Bownes, Maddy Letowska and Ben Febery-Watts from the 28th Bedfordshire and Anglia Scouts and Guides (known as the Clangers) who had been chosen to attend the 12-day 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Tokyo that took place last month.

Today, only four countries in the world do not have Scouts: North Korea, Laos, Andorra and the Chinese Republic and Gill believes her grandfather would not have foreseen the huge growth, popularity and longevity of the movement when he founded it over a hundred years ago.

“He was very disappointed when World War Two came, and sadly he died during the war so didn’t live to see the movement spread as far as it has” she said.

“There were 16 million Scouts in 160 countries when my son was in Cubs. He is 43 now and today there are nearly 40 million, including 10 million Guides.”

Lord Robert Baden-Powell believed you should “try and leave this world a little better than you found it”. Today, his granddaughter continues to spread his vision for young people everywhere.

New leaders are always needed for local groups. If you are interested, please visit: www.scouts.org.uk and search in your local area.

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Flying Proms at Shuttleworth

Saturday 15 August 2015 Enjoy the Shuttleworth Collection’s vintage aircraft displaying to a backdrop of classical music performed by the 50-piece National Symphony Orchestra. This year also features a trio of spitfires and a thrilling firework display finale.

www.shuttleworth.org/flyingproms To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Reg Charity No 307534

Three Counties Radio

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Are Extended Warranties

Worth the Money?

It doesn’t seem to matter what product you’re buying, there’s now an extended warranty available for everything.

The question people often ask me on my radio show is whether it’s a good idea to pay the extra and take one out?

My answer is generally a big, fat NO! Under your statutory rights you are protected for a ‘reasonable’ amount of time if a manufacturing defect occurs with a product. Depending on the item and the initial cost, this is generally as long as an extended warranty would last anyway.

Remember when the retailer says that after 12 months there’s nothing they can do, they’re fobbing you off. The extended warranty is normally a way of charging you for something you really don’t need.

Sadly some consumers are so trusting of retailers that they believe the company’s advice to be sound. I went to a well known shop once and bought a radio for £15.99. The retailer tried very hard to sell me a 3 year extended warranty for £20. I explained that if the radio failed after a couple of years I would simply purchase a new one at another cost of £15.99. The shop assistant seemed amazed that I was so hostile to the idea. Sadly I would imagine many people go ahead and pay an additional £20 that’s totally pointless.

You should however remember that often when claiming under your statutory rights that a battle will probably ensue. A battle that will require you to hold your nerve.

For most things I would urge you to fight that battle (and call me if you need help), but for other essential products (stairlifts / electric wheelchairs etc) you may consider buying the extended warranty just to give you hassle free piece of mind, and you know what? I wouldn’t blame you.

The rule of thumb is always think long and hard before you hand over your money for something you probably don’t need.

It is also worth looking into the idea of purchasing insurance policies that cover all of your white goods for mechanical failure. For consumers looking for hassle free piece of mind at a lower cost these can be a good alternative to the ‘extended warranty. Please read the terms and conditions though beforehand and understand exactly what the policy will cover.

Jonathan Vernon-Smith not only offers you his consumer advice here but you can listen to The JVS Show tackling your consumer problems every weekday morning from 9am.

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Home Interiors

Choosing a New Sofa

Buying a new sofa is a significant financial purchase. Here are a few pointers to help with your decision: Think about what size is most suitable. Proportions are important. For example if you have high ceilings a high backed sofa may look better than a low backed style. A huge sofa in a small room can be overbearing and leave little room for other furniture. In some spaces two smaller sofas or a sofa and arm chair combination will be more aesthetically pleasing than one large one.

Consider your comfort when deciding on the overall size too. The height and depth of the seat can make a vast difference. I am relatively short and often find I have to perch near the edge of the seat on some designs in order for my feet to touch the ground. So do try them out.

When considering shape and style you need to decide whether you want to create a relaxed style or a more formal look. Solid backs and styles such as Chesterfields’ are neater and more traditional, whereas loose-backed and corner sofa arrangements are more contemporary. Corner sofas are also ideal for creating a relaxation space within a large open-plan living space and can save space in smaller rooms.

Other differences that can help you decide which style you prefer are arm shape: square, rolled, wide or narrow; the overall line of the sofa, straight or curved; and the design of the legs.

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There are many options in terms of upholstery: fabric or leather, plain or patterned. Think about durability in terms of the fabric and the look you are trying to create. Even if you decide on leather you will probably still have a choice between natural look, a smoother more even finish, or faux leather instead. Fabrics may be cotton-based, velvet and chenille types or microfibre.

Most designers recommend a plain colour for the main sofa and the use of scatter cushions to add a splash of another colour or patterns. Cushions can be changed more easily if you decide the look needs updating in the future.

To aid longevity, choose a sturdy frame with good joinery and springs. You can often get a protective coating applied to your new sofa to help protect against spills too.

Finally many new sofas have extra features such as recliner options or built in audio. Or you may want a sofa bed. There’s a lot to consider, so don’t make a hasty decision as most of us keep our sofas for many years.

By Susan Brookes-Morris

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The Unforgettable Close Up and Cabaret Magic of Steve Dean Immerse yourselves and guests in the close up magic of Steve Dean or enjoy a Cabaret Show that includes mentalism and much more. Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated and completely spellbound? This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at it’s very best.

Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He has had many letters of thanks and testimonials from people from all walks of life. From a small dinner party to performing on a British Cruise Liner this sort of entertainment is second to none and will give your guests unusual and fantastic entertainment that they can get involved in and will talk about for months to come.

(Steve is a member of Equity with full public liability insurance).

Please phone or email for details 07719 261147 • 01767 260671 www.stevedeanmagic.co.uk email: stevedeanmagic@aol.com

Winner of Wedding Industr y Exper t Awards 2013-2014 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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N O I T I T E P M O C The CRUISE Show Birmingham 12-13 September 2015 www.cruisingshow.com Discover a whole world of voyages at The CRUISE Show in Birmingham...

As Europe’s leading cruise event, The CRUISE Show will host the largest collection of major cruise lines and specialist operators all under one roof for one weekend!

Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise to a far-flung destination, a sumptuous ultra-luxury voyage, maybe a relaxing cultural river cruise or a tropical family cruiseholiday with lots to entertain all ages – The CRUISE Show at the NEC has it all.

Packed with information and inspiration visitors can enjoy exclusive money-saving show offers and upgrades, be inspired by the informative free talks, gain essential expert advice that you won’t find in the brochure, discover different ship styles and incredible destinations and hear directly from the cruise lines about what’s new for 2015/2016.

So, if you’re completely new to cruising and intrigued to discover what it’s all about, or you’re a seasoned cruiser wanting inspiration for your next adventure, then make sure you head to The CRUISE Show at Birmingham’s NEC on 12-13 September 2015.

For more show information please visit www.cruisingshow.com

We are giving 10 lucky people the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show!

Just answer this simple question below: Where is The CRUISE Show in Birmingham taking place? a) Olympia b) NEC c) Manchester Central Send your answer with your name, address and telephone number to: Cruise Show Birmingham Competition, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP READER’S TICKET OFFER: We are also offering reduced price advance tickets to the show! Get your tickets for only £4 (that’s saving £6 off the door price!!) by quoting ‘VILLAGER’ when booking tickets online at www.cruisingshow.com or when calling 0871 620 4024.

(Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).

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Where AM I?

Do You Know?

1

2 3

Do you know where these pictures were taken?

July’s answer

May’s images were taken in Shefford

Where Are we?

The Villager and Town Life magazine is delivered door to door throughout:

Abbotsley, Beeston, Broom, Caxton, Cockayne Hatley, Cople, Croydon, Dunton, Eltisley, Everton, Everton Heath, Eyeworth, Gamlingay, Haynes, Henlow, Ickwell Green, Ireland, Langford, Lower Caldecote, Moggerhanger, Northill, Old Warden, Potton, Shuttleworth, Southill, Stanford, Sutton, The Gransdens, Thorncote Green, Upper Caldecote, Waresley and Wrestlingworth

and can be found in most shops, pubs, garages in all of the above and more including Biggleswade and Sandy.

Booking your advertising space is easy just call Nigel on 01767 261122 or e-mail nigel@villagermag.com

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VILLAGER The

LOCAL NEWS •

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Issue 106 - June

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EVERY TUESDAY

6-9PM

EVERY SATURDAY

10AM-12PM PANCAKES

EVERY SUNDAY

12-3PM

SUMMER BARBECUE

For details of all our events and to book a table, visit www.coachhousepotton.co.uk or call 01767 260221

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Local News

Busk till Dusk

Are you ready for a new music festival?

Come and see over 20 of the best buskers from the region who have been hand selected to perform on 4 stages. The festival will take place on August 8, 2015 and will be set within the 18 acres of St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger, Bedford. You will be able to see all genre of music from folk, classical, acoustic and rock it really is going to be a great night.

Gates open from 3-10pm with live performances every 20 minutes! Each Busker will be judged by a panel of experts with the winner of ‘Best Busker’ announced in the evening. The winner will have the opportunity to perform on the main stage in the evening and collect £100 prize money.

Don’t leave too soon as there will be an established band performing in the evening allowing us to dance the night away! £5 adults £2.50 16 and under A bar and BBQ is available onsite, so please don’t bring you own.

For more information please go to http://busktilldusk.wix.com/busktilldusk

Come along to our country fayre A great day out for all the family Our annual summer country fayre is a family fun day out for all ages, takes place on

Sunday, 9 August at St John’s Hospice, in Moggerhanger, Bedford There is plenty to keep all ages entertained with activities for 1 to 100-year-olds.

What's happening?

As well as the usual activities and stalls such as the dog show, classic cars and the raffle we also have plenty of choice for refreshments. So whether you fancy a hog roast or a traditional afternoon tea there will be something to satisfy your taste buds.

Come and have a go at archery, ride a steam engine or even talk to the Harry Potter owl!

We hope to see you there!

Tickets - register now or pay on the day

Adults - £2.50, 16 and under - £1 Under 5s - Free

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Have you considered

fostering?

At Children First Fostering Agency we are currently recruiting caring individuals who want to make a difference to a child or young person’s life.

In return you will receive professional ongoing training, 24 hour support, respite breaks and a generous fostering allowance.

If you are interested in fostering and have a spare room for a child, please contact us at:

www.cffa.co.uk 0808 178 1144 Text FOSTER14 to 88020 with your full name To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Will B's Diner Until now, only a select group of lucky diners have known about this hidden restaurant in Sandy but good news travels fast and more customers are discovering the warm welcome that awaits them at Will B’s Diner in Blaydon Road. Even better, it is now open on selected evenings.

A family-run business, Will Baldwin opened Will B’s Diner for breakfasts and lunches almost exactly a year ago. Set up with his brother Alex and mum Irene, initially, they served mainly companies on the trading estate and families visiting the nearby children’s indoor playground, but the diner’s reputation has grown so much that now 60% of its customers come from outside this area.

Much larger than it first appears, inside it is bright

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By Catherine Rose

yet cosy with an almost vintage American-English diner feel. There is also a recently-built large decked seating area at the front enclosed by trellis so that customers can eat al fresco. The premises has disabled access and is able to accommodate 50 people altogether with 36 inside and 24 outside. Its layout is versatile and Will B’s Diner is happy to take bookings for private functions.

Will designed the eye-catching logo himself (which you could already imagine as a ‘Will B’ brand franchise) and it is proudly displayed on the menus and staff uniforms.

During the day, traditional cafe favourites are served from breakfasts that include full English (small or large), omelettes and eggs Benedict, to a wide selection of lunches including sandwiches, paninis, hot dogs, baked potatoes, salads and more. Everything is freshly made in-house.

Vegetarians and children are catered for with gluten-free food provided if requested in advance.

The child-friendly cafe often finds itself busy during school holidays and there is a highchair available for babies. “Children love our homemade milkshakes” says Will.

Now, having enjoyed a year’s success as a daytime cafe, Will B’s Diner is embarking on an exciting new venture serving evening meals and is already taking bookings.

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Licensed to sell alcohol from midday, the diner goes through a transformation on Friday and Saturday evenings to become a more formal and intimate restaurant space with a choice of wines on display and fully laid, candlelit tables.

Will has taken on a well-known local chef Peter Wallace with 13 years’ experience to help prepare the new dinner menu that brings together all the popular choices such as starters to share, steak, lasagne, homemade pies, fried chicken, hot dogs and scampi. They have also taken on new local waiting staff.

For the future, company growth and long-term investment are definitely on the menu. The restaurant is looking to extend its opening hours further to include Sunday brunches and lunches and the family currently has plans to refurbish the kitchen. When finished, it will have a completely new layout, incorporating a double oven to cater for the increase in trade. There is also room for extension upstairs and Will hopes to add a bar. It is an ideal and slightly off-the-beaten-track venue for Christmas parties and a festive menu is already being planned with enquiries welcomed.

In the meantime, Will B’s Diner is not only making a name for itself in the community through its home-style cooking but the Baldwins are longtime Sandy residents and regularly take part in fundraising for different local organisations. This is a restaurant with a heart.

“We take pride in what we do” says Will “and we

are flexible: from offering our customers a lunch ordering and take away service to changing the layout of the restaurant to accommodate private parties.”

Will B’s Diner is definitely worth a visit - with totally different but equally enjoyable experiences on offer for the day and evening.

And once you have discovered it, you will probably want to return again and again.

Will B's Cafe and Diner

Unit 5, Blaydon Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 1RZ Tel: 01767 690911 (enquiries welcome) www.willsdiner.co.uk Facebook: Will B's Diner Opening times: Monday to Thursday - 8am - 2.30pm Fridays - 8am - 1.30pm and 5pm - 10pm Saturdays - 5pm - 10pm oad rland R

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Blaydo

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Find us on Blaydon Road, off Sunderland Road on the Industrial Estate, Sandy

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16/07/2015 12:58

The home of perfect creations in authentic Indian cuisine

Free Home Delivery Open 7 Days 5.30pm - 11.00pm View us on Google maps plus Christmas lunch and evening bookings now being taken

01767 689743/ 680475 | 22 Market Square, Sandy. SG19 1JA Maharajah 1/2 page.indd 1

21/07/2015 12:28

Potton & District Club NEW MEMBERS WELCOME. Keeping LIVE MUSIC live! every week!

When you see this * an ENTRY FEE will apply

AUGUST

Saturday 1st August - The Scallywags Friday 21st August - The Belltonics (Covers band) Saturday 29th August - Spareparts (experienced classic rock covers band, Quo, including the” fantastic four” days) Sunday 30th August (Bank Holiday) - Disco Inferno

SEPTEMBER

Saturday 5th Sept - Bu-Bounce (return, for some stomping fun) Saturday 12th September - Rock Road (rock & pop classics) Saturday 19th September - The Rock-face Band (return, awesome talent from “Podge” & the gang) Friday 25th September - The Soulman* (well known & loved by all, Soul/Disco classics) Saturday 26th September - The 6Ts* (professional party band loving the Beatles)

DIARY DATES: COMING SOON!

GENTLEMENS EVENING FRIDAY 9TH OCTOBER & LADIES EVENING FRIDAY 13TH NOVEMBER All information is provided in good faith, always check the web page pottonclub.co.uk for changes/updates.

Potton CIU Club, Charities Hall, Station Road, Potton Tel: 01767 261465 (Evenings) Website: www.pottonclub.co.uk 20

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Hello Party People of Potton!

Do not fear....there is only one year to go until the Party on Potton Big Weekend 2016, so start counting down now! In case you aren’t familiar with your new committee let me introduce you to those that will be responsible for putting on this event for you.

There are plenty of familiar faces from the 2014 committee, with Carlton at the helm again and Yorkie in charge of the treasure chest once more. Carol, Andy, Simon, Carolyn and myself Jo A (secretary) also came back for more after finding the Big Weekend 2014 so rewarding.

We have several fresh committee members equally full of love for Potton who have joined us, namely Jo M, Jo E, Mark and Brett/Vicki (on job share).To date we have been busy fundraising with our ever popular mobile bar hire and BBQs but going forward you can keep up to date with our plans for the Big Weekend 2016 and upcoming fundraising events via our new website found at www.partyonpotton.org.uk.

Alternatively please like our FaceBook page ‘PartyOnPotton’ to see what we are up to.

The POP cauldron is bubbling but please let us know if you have any ideas for events you would like to see at the Big Weekend (or in the run-up) or if you are a club/group who wants to join in any way. Contact us with all your ideas either via our FaceBook page or using our email address: committee@partyonpotton.org.uk Please also let us know if you can offer any help this time, as last year we could not put on all the events we had planned, as we did not have enough volunteers. Help is required in many forms from pulling pints, collecting and cleaning glasses, hoovering the big marquee, manning the BBQs, making teas and coffees and litter picking through to marshalling the fun run and the fantastic carnival.

So, don’t waste your money booking a holiday for August Bank Holiday weekend 2016 when you have everything you could possibly want that weekend on your doorstep and all for free during the day.You won’t find anything better elsewhere.....see you on the Henry Smith playing fields in 12 months time!

www.partyonpotton.org.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Travel

By Solange Hando

Bhutan - Taktsang, the Tiger’s Lair Long ago, they say, a holy man named Guru Rinpoche flew from the East on the back of a tigress to bring Buddhism to Bhutan. He landed high above the Paro valley on a vertiginous ledge where hermits soon followed to meditate in the caves.

Taktsang, ‘the Tiger’s Lair’ is the most sacred place in this small Himalayan kingdom, claiming myriad shrines on the slopes and a monastery built on the very ledge where the Guru landed. Damaged by fire in the late 90s, Bhutan’s most iconic landmark was restored by the finest artists and welcomes visitors, pilgrims and monks who might choose to meditate for up to seven years in the most remote building.

Glinting in sunlight or draped in shifting mist, Taktsang defies imagination, seemingly inaccessible as it clings precariously to the cliff face, hanging some 800 metres above the valley floor.

Yet, it can be reached on a scenic three hour trek, starting in a riverside meadow garlanded in prayer flags. Soon the trail enters a forest of blue pines, rhododendrons and oak where wild primula and orchids line the path and lichen hangs from the trees like ghostly cobwebs. Sometimes you come across a makeshift stall with a colourful display of turquoise and coral beads, gleaming among human skulls polished for ritual offerings. A child beckons, a woman smiles but all is quiet except for bird song and the occasional tinkling of bells as ponies carry the less able to the half way point.

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Up there, by a log cabin framed in marigolds, Taktsang appears even more out of reach across a fathomless ravine, but there are great views of the valley with its golden paddies, meandering river and traditional houses festooned in auspicious signs and beautifully carved eaves. At nearly 3000 metres, the air is fresh and Buddhist flags flutter in the breeze to send prayers in all directions.

Beyond the cabin, the path climbs relentlessly above the tree line, past holy rocks and glistening shrines, mysterious footprints, gurgling springs and rows of tiny urns containing ashes of the dead, placed here to ensure a peaceful after-life. Just like the altitude, the scenery takes your breath away, from the mountain tops drifting in and out of the mist to the forest tumbling down to the valley in every shade of green. One final bend and you are faced by hundreds of steps staggering down to a wooden bridge to cross a sacred waterfall, then it’s up on the other side to the entrance gate, at last.

Now, vertigo might strike at any moment for there is little room on the ledge where white walls and red and gold pagoda roofs jostle for space right against the rock, on the very edge of the precipice.

Narrow rickety bridges, steps and mini-terraces lead from one temple to the next, with yet more dizzying views of the Paro valley. Inside every temple are murals of gurus and gods, gilded statues and offerings of fruit, flowers and colourful butter sculptures. Pilgrims prostrate and peep into the Guru’s cave, open only once a year, and now and then the chanting of monks echoes in the semi-darkness, punctuated by cymbals and gongs.

Oil lamps flicker and the fragrance of incense rises all around. It’s eerie, inspiring and worth every challenging step along the way.

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Local News

By Barry Ingram

Heritage, History & Heartbreak Reads like the buzz line for a exciting new book

which you should go out and buy. However this isn’t a book but you do have to buy into it and you do need to get a jacket and put on pair of good shoes or boots to get the most from it.

In just a few weeks time Bedfordshire’s biggest walking event comes either to your town or village or nearby. Commencing on Saturday 5th September there are 9 days of absolute pleasure for those liking the countryside with over fifty walks and many of them located in the east and central part of the county.

This part of Bedfordshire has so much heritage and history along with corresponding heartbreak your 9 days will be well spent. Informative walks are where the leader gives information along the way, not too much to bore but enough to generate even more interest, and starts with World War 2 special operations at Tempsford Airfield which should appeal to local and WW2 Historians and people interested in RAF and Special operations on Saturday 5th. On Sunday 6th Stotfold Mill is the starting point for an interesting ramble around the village with an opportunity to visit the mill and enjoy refreshments afterwards.

Shuttleworth Park opens its grounds for a walk using paths normally not open to the public and part of the picturesque village of Old Warden is added for good measure. At the end why not visit Swiss Garden or the Aircraft museum after some

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refreshment in the restaurant. RSPB has a walk in woods and normal car park charges are being waived for the event.

Later in the week there is Three Mills walk from Stotfold Mill and a Heath and Quarry walk starting from Sandy Town Council Offices and led by Barry Groom from Sandy Tourism. However if you want to go further a field there is an opportunity to climb the tower of St Mary’s Church Clophill after finding out about Clophill’s historical landscape and at Ampthill an opportunity to find out about its history and Henry V111’s involvement with the town.

However if it is simply a good walk you want why not join the morning or afternoon walk from Haynes Village Hall, Ampthill Park, Maulden Woods, and Biggleswade’s Dan Albone Car park or join us on the Greensand Ridge Challenge 40 miles over two days on the weekend of the 12th and 13th.

For those who would like to get out into the countryside but don’t understand maps help is at hand with two “Maps are fun” sessions on Saturday 5th at the Marston Vale Forest Centre.

The festival programme contains walks of heritage, History and Heartbreak and are spread across the whole of the county and is available in Libraries, Travel Hubs, Local Town Councils, local attractions, some shops and cafes or via the web site

www.bedswalkfest.co.uk

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25

Health & Beauty

Why Breast is still Best August is World Breastfeeding Month, so let’s bust some myths and look at breastfeeding benefits.

Breastfeeding Myths I can’t breastfeed because: • I need medication for depression. Sometimes the benefits of treatment and breastfeeding outweigh potential risks (very low with some antidepressants).

• I have flat/ inverted nipples. Breastfeeding is often possible and can even fix this – as can a simple operation.

• I’m unsure about breastfeeding; I’m going back to work, anyway. Even if you feed your baby just a few times, they’ll receive colostrum (initial breastmilk full of your antibodies). Started bottlefeedng? Usually you can still breastfeed later, although it’s harder as time passes. You can breastfeed at first, then swap to expressed breastmilk, formula or mixed feeding when you return to work; you have a legal right to express milk at work and ask for a change in your working pattern.

• I can’t make enough milk: Despite what many mums are told, it’s extremely rare to be physically incapable of producing enough milk.

The process can be hampered after a caesarean, or if you or your baby is poorly. Usually you just need time and correct technique, but if your baby’s suffering or you need to leave them, you can give formula... ...But mixed feeding will ruin my milk supply: If your baby needs the odd bottle of formula, don’t panic. Ideally, though, wait 6 weeks to try regular mixed feeding, as the ideal production rate is stimulated by demand and takes time to establish. Often, regular mixed feeding early on quickly leads to full formula feeding, the NCT warns, but it’s usually successful after breastfeeding is established.

Breastfed babies wake more at night: Research suggests parents of breastfed babies get more sleep, and there’s no night time bottle preparation.

I can’t breastfeed in public: The Equality Act 2010 says you CAN.

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Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk Breastfeeding Benefits • Much healthier babies: breastmilk is custommade for your baby, adapting to their needs.

It aids development, increases intelligence and reduces the risk of chest, stomach, ear and urine infections, asthma, diabetes, obesity, leukaemia, meningitis, celiac disease, Sudden Infant Death syndrome, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, some lymphomas and cancers, Crohn’s disease, cardiovascular disease, eczema, allergies, breast and ovarian cancer in girls and necrotizing enterocolitis (a serious bowel condition) in premature babies.

• Healthier mums: Breastfeeding uses 200-500kcal daily, contracts your uterus to normal size, conserves your iron, and reduces your risk of postpartum haemorrhage, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes.

• Convenient, economical and green: Feed your baby anywhere for free, saving £550 a year on formula and reducing waste.

Decisions, Decisions A mini-survey of friends echoed national findings: the main culprits responsible for making breastfeeding difficult or unappealing are poor advice and support (personal and professional).

“I was banished to upstairs in my in-laws house!” said one friend, while Liz intended to breastfeed until her midwife advised her bottlefeeding would be easier after her caesarean. Older ‘militant’ breastfeeding advice just caused guilt: “My LaLeche League book was SO awful about bottle feeding that when I finally offered my daughter formula, I felt I was poisoning her,” said Katie.

The NCT found 90% of women whose friends breastfeed, have a plan to breastfeed themselves, compared to 51% of women without breastfeeding friends. So ensuring mums are wellinformed and supported, wherever and however they feed their baby, is vital.

NCT (National Childbirth Trust): www.nct.org. uk/ Helpline: 0300 330 0700

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27

Countrywear

STAND OUT IN THE FIELD

THIS AUTUMN

New stock available in store and online!

www.lodgeway-countrywear.co.uk

01462 816122

OPEN: MON-FRI 8pm-5pm SAT 9am-12pm Chicksands, Shefford, Beds SG17 5QB

SANDY & DISTRICT CONSERVATIVE CLUB WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS!

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Pool Table Snooker Tables Live entertainment Bowls Club Golf Society

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Sky Sports & BT Sport Darts Free WIFI Quiz Nights Beer Garden

FAMILY FUN DAY - SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST - 12.00PM OPEN TO NON MEMBERS. IN AID OF

Phone: 01767 680481 Email: sandyconservative.club@btconnect.com Web: sandyconservativeclub.org.uk Sandy Conservative Club, 19 Bedford Road, Sandy, SG19 1EL 28

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Health & Beauty

Belle of the Beach Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk Late nights, lazy days at the beach and endless mojitos… we do love summer holidays. Whether you’re heading off for a week in the Canaries, catching a cruise ship to the Caribbean, or just taking the kids camping to Cornwall, feast your eyes on our pick of the latest beauty releases.

If you like ‘buying British’ you’ll love the new British Botanical Shower Cream from Elemis, which uses UK-sourced ingredients such as chamomile, lavender, rosemary and oats. It smells divine and is incredibly nourishing. At £24 it is rather pricey, but definitely one to consider if you fancy treating yourself.

Looking for a sun cream that’s suitable for all the family? Try Green People’s Organic Children Scent Free Sun Lotion, £16.95. It’s non-greasy and rubs in more easily than a lot of the other natural sunscreens on the market. Offering both UVA and UVB protection, with a choice of SPF 25 or 30, it offers great all round protection. Plus it’s packed with fruit and seed oils, including avocado, olive and aloe vera, and is kind to sensitive skin. It is water-resistant, but won’t survive a long swim in the pool, so do make sure that you reapply it regularly.

If you prefer a lipstick to a gloss, but hate the drying effect that some lipsticks can have, you’ll want to get your hands on one of the new Burt’s Bees Lip Crayons. 100% natural, the crayons use shea butter, jojoba oil and kendi oil to soften and moisturise your lips. I could still feel the difference by the next day. There are six shades

available. My personal favourite is Sedana Sands – a natural pink with just a hint of caramel, which is perfect for summer. Burt’s Bees Lip Crayons are priced at £8.99 and are available from Debenhams, Fenwick and www.burtsbees.co.uk.

We all know the risks, but when the sun is shining and we’re baring our pins on a golden beach, we can’t help but want a tan. Sometimes it’s OK to fake it, and tanning is one of those occasions.

Don’t let the visions of Oompa Loompa lookalikes put you off; fake tans have come a long way and you no longer have to choose between milk bottle white or tangerine orange. For best results, wax or shave the day before, exfoliate well, then follow with a body lotion. Wait until the lotion is fully absorbed before applying the tan. New to the UK market is Aussie tanning brand Black Magic.

Try the Black Magic Instant Tanning Mousse, £23, which is tinted, extremely easy to apply and comes with a mitt to keep your hands stain-free. www. blackmagictan.co.uk If late night cocktails have left your skin looking a bit lacklustre, or you just don’t fancy slapping on foundation in the heat, give Origins GinZing™ Energy-Boosting Moisturizer, £23, a go. Designed to ‘wake up’ tired looking skin and leave it with a healthier looking glow, it’s no surprise that this has quickly become one of Origins’ ‘hero’ products.

A 75ml limited edition version was released this spring, featuring a funky coffee bean lid, but it was snapped up pretty quickly. Still, you may be lucky and find one lurking at the back of a shelf in Debenhams…

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29

Because your home starts with your garden

Green Garden Park Ltd Green Garden Park Ltd is no ordinary garden centre.

It is an entirely new venture in the area supplying specialist trees and shrubs nationwide that will elevate your garden from the ordinary to something quite special.

Easily accessible north along the A1 just before Sandy and attached to the well-established Seddington Garden Centre, Green Garden Park Ltd has been set up by three business partners with a passion for gardening. It supplies unique, premium quality, mature trees and shrubs, all of which have been grown, trained and maintained by hand.

“Both my business partners are old friends who have experience in running garden centres abroad” explains Arax Nalbandjan, director. “As a successful business owner myself, together we decided to find a gap in the garden market. We chose to showcase premium quality trees and shrubs by providing a handpicked selection of products from specialist suppliers and the world’s leading horticulturists.

There is no one else in this area that does exactly what we do.”

The company’s crowning jewel is its luxury Masterpiece Collection consisting of intensively cultivated trees that can be up to 25 years old. Arax proudly describes them as “living art” with every tree the company sells being totally individual.

“So much creativity, skill and care go into these trees” says Arax.

“They are like a living sculpture.

People buy them as a statement

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centrepiece or to work within a larger landscape design.”

As if to perfectly illustrate this fact, Arax shows me another range they sell – one of their ‘logo’ trees where the foliage has been trained into the shape of the well-known Mercedes’ company emblem.

Green Garden Park’s main specialism is in Japanese Bonsai trees but not the miniature specimens most people associate them with. These Bonsai trees are large potted ‘statement’ trees with a big ‘wow factor’, pruned in what is known as cloud form (a traditional Japanese art, so called because the foliage resembles clumps of cloud settled around the branches).

All the company’s trees arrive in special ‘air pot’ containers for year round planting and each tree purchased comes with one-year free specialist maintenance that can then be extended at a reasonable price.

“So a customer does not need to worry about how to keep their tree healthy and looking beautiful” explains Arax.

For those with a more limited budget, Arax points out that although they provide premium exclusive trees, they also stock products that are accessible to everyone. “We have something to suit all types of gardener and budget here” she explains. “As well as those in our Masterpiece Collection, we have other species of smaller Bonsai that are not so expensive.”

Alongside their trees with

pedigree and visual impact, the company sells regular trees and shrubs, including mature acers, conifers, roses, hydrangeas and rhododendrons, with the rare bonus that a customer can purchase their chosen plants in any size and unlimited quantity.

Familiar species have been given a twist, such as the apple tree that has been trained to grow flat in what is known as the ‘espalier’ form so that it can be used as natural, attractive screening instead of a fence; or the large prunus that has been grown over many years into an umbrella shape. Other apple trees are also available that have been trained into a stunning ‘table top’ crown design – perfect for a ready-made living pergola.

The versatile Box shrub, which Arax describes as the most popular shrub in the UK, is hand-pruned for quality rather than by the more usual machine method. The results of the more intensive manual input are incredible. The foliage of Green Garden Park’s hand-pruned box is incredibly dense, vibrant and bursting with health, making my own machinepruned specimens suddenly seem rather sparse and anaemic.

You can buy shrubs and trees of almost any shape and size at Green Garden Park – it would seem that the only limit is your imagination. Trees and shrubs shaped like cones, balls, umbrellas, cylinders and pointed barley-twists are all available. Arax shows me their ‘wedding cake’ trees which are pruned into tiers, and arches where two trees are trained to make a living archway when placed together – a magnificent addition to any garden.

I also admire the ‘multi-stem’ trees. These are the most natural-looking but where the branches have actually been hand-trained to give a pleasing shape and symmetry.

By Catherine Rose

Unsurprisingly, due to the quality and limitless quantity of premium plants, Green Garden Park not only sells to the general public but works closely with landscape architects, garden designers and professional gardeners, advising and supplying them with a wide range of mature, premium quality trees and shrubs according to their specification.

The company is also well placed to meet the needs of hotels, restaurants, property developers, local authorities and corporate event organisers.

“We are a company for both professionals and private gardeners” says Arax.

Green Garden Park’s services include consultation, landscape design, delivery, planting, landscaping, irrigation design and maintenance. It also offers its customers a free garden design service which involves a meeting to discuss requirements, following which three separate designs are produced that the customer can either choose from or mix and match according to their needs.

Green Garden Park specialist garden centre is already open for business and can take orders. “We create something custom-made and have endless choices” Arax says. She finds that the on-site collaboration with Seddington Garden Centre works well as the two complement each other in what they sell.

“Our trees are suitable for any commercial exterior and there is a new tendency in the UK for people to spend more money on their gardens to complement their expensive houses. Luxurious gardens also add value to properties. At Green Garden Park, we believe your house should start with your garden, and with our products you can make it as stunning as your home.”

Green Garden Park Ltd Great North Road, Seddington, Sandy SG19 1NZ Tel: 01767 680393 or 07487 834419 www.greengardenpark.co.uk Facebook: Greengardenpark.uk

Photographs by Darren Harbar Photography

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Fun Quiz - Knights and Princesses 1. What was the name of King Arthur’s knight with whom Guinevere had an affair?

2. How is Princess Aurora better known in the title of a Walt Disney film?

3. Who lived alone in a hotel room for a month in preparation for playing the role of the Joker in the 2008 film The Dark Knight?

4. Which actress played Princess Leia in the original Star Wars trilogy?

5. Dance Of The Knights from the ballet Romeo And Juliet is used as the theme song for which BBC TV show?

6. In April 2010, which princess became the first ever royal to complete the London Marathon?

7. Which former chief executive officer of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group had his knighthood annulled due to the near collapse of the bank in 2008?

8. Who provides the voice of Princess Fiona in the Shrek films?

9. Which British fashion house has a knight on a horse on its logo and is famous for its trademarked tartan pattern?

10. What was Princess Diana’s maiden name?

Before

After

1. Lancelot 2. Sleeping Beauty 3. Heath Ledger 4. Carrie Fisher 5. The Apprentice 6. Princess Beatrice 7. Fred Goodwin 8. Cameron Diaz 9. Burberry 10. Spencer

Newly opened Holistic therapy clinic in East Hatley SG19 3JA. Indian Head Massage will help to increase mobility & flexibility of the neck & shoulders; it also improves blood circulation, lymphatic flow & aids the elimination of toxins. Great for reducing the effects of stress.

Approx. 45 minute treatment Cost £25 Reiki Energy Treatment is a safe, gentle, non-invasive form of hands on healing. It works by allowing energy to flow from the practitioner to the receiver’s energy field & recharging damaged areas with positive energy, raising the vibrations in & around the body. A beautiful, peaceful & relaxing treatment.

Approx. 60 – 90 minute treatment Cost £30 Hypnotherapy will be available from August 2015. This treatment can easily resolve many issues including weight loss, stop smoking, anxiety, fears, stress, sleep related problems & many more phobias.

Price on request Hatley holistic therapies (1/2 page).indd 32

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Carole Cooper Hatley Holistic Therapies www.hatleyholistic.co.uk Tel: 01767 650312 Mob: 07736184108 Email: carole.hatleyholistic@gmail.com

21/07/2015 08:45 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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Local News

Sandy Town Council & Information Centre Sandy Information Centre holds a wide range of local attraction leaflets with ideas for days out and if you require a brochure relating to another part of the country we can order these for you. We also hold information about local transport and the latest train and bus timetables.

We have a large selection of local Walk leaflets to enable local people and Sandy’s many visitors to walk in this areas beautiful countryside.

We are agents for Safford’s so you we will be able to book for the many day excursions or holidays they undertake.

From the new Information Centre and Reception there will be access to the Roman Sandy Exhibition and if you have never visited this display it is well worth a visit.

The Information Centre will be undertaking local Guided Walks during the summer and local history Autumn/Winter Talks GUIDED WALKS This year’s fourth guided Walk is a ‘GUIDED WALK AROUND OLD WARDEN VILLAGE’ and this takes place on Thursday, 6th August. There is a maximum of 20 on this walk due to the narrowness of the village road. If necessary we will hold a second tour in the afternoon.

In 2014 local historian Christine Hill, sponsored by the recent Heritage Lottery funded restoration of The Swiss Garden, Old Warden, published ‘Old Warden, Tales of Tenants & Squires’. This wonderful book traces the fascinating history of the village, its inhabitants and their relationship with the estates owners, the Ongley and Shuttleworth families from the eighteenth century to the early twentieth century. Christine will lead

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this new and very interesting walk around this delightful village where we will see and hear about its historic and picturesque buildings, and its people.

Old Warden stands amongst wooded countryside and is a good example of an estate village. Many of the cottages are of 17th or 18th century origin and were built in a variety of styles. However during the early part of the 19th century they were all modified or rebuilt in the Picturesque style by the 3rd Lord Ongley.

The 12th century church of St Leonard is decorated inside with a substantial amount of carved woodwork collected from the Low Countries by Lord Ongley and installed in 1841/2, and here Christine will recount a fascinating story village folklore surrounding some of the woodwork.

We will meet in the car park of St Leonard’s Church, Old Warden, at 10.00am. The cost of the Guided Walk is £5.50 per person (payable on booking please).

The final walk of the year takes place on Thursday, 10th September and is called the ‘SANDY HEATH AND QUARRY WALK’. This Walk forms part of the Bedfordshire Walking Festival. From the Council Offices we will walk to The Lodge (RSPB) reserve and go along the picturesque ‘Firs Trail’ and exit the reserve at the RSPB Gatehouse. Crossing the road we will enter Sandy Heath cross the fields leading to Deepdale and enter the Sandy Heath Quarry, where mineral companies are working with the RSPB to restore the site to heathland. After seeing this wonderful site we will return via the Heath and the ‘Firs Trail’ to Sandy Meet at the offices of Sandy Town Council, 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy at 2.30pm.

Being part of the Walking Festival there is no charge for this Walk.

AUTUMN AND WINTER TALKS There will be three Talks this year and they will all be held in the Sandy Baptist Church Hall and the cost will be £5.50 per person.

In October there will be a Talk by David Fowler, who for the past two years has given Talks about Cardington and the Airship industry. This year he will give a Talk titled BEDFORDSHIRE HEROES. This will include the 36

lives of Sir Joseph Paxton, the famous gardener and designer of the Crystal Palace who was born at Milton Bryan, Frederick Burnaby who was a famous army officer and traveller who once crossed the English Channel in a hot air balloon and who was born in Bedford and Captain Sir William Peel, Sandy’s famous naval hero who was one of the first recipients of the Victoria Cross and builder of the Sandy to Potton Railway.

This Talk will take place on Tuesday, 6th October at 7.30pm In November Colin McCartney of Broom will give a Talk entitled CONCORDE- AN INSIDE STORY. The illustrated talk is based on Colin’s experiences while on the design team of Concorde – the only Super Sonic Transport (SST) to be designed and go into world-wide service. There are a few talks based on the experiences of flying in Concorde by crew members, but this is the only presentation describing how the aircraft came into being.

Throughout the talk reference is made to Sir Isaac Newton. All will be revealed why!

This Talk will take place on Monday, 2nd November at 7.30pm In December Bernard O’Connor returns to Sandy to give a new Talk called TRAINING TO BE A SECRET AGENT DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR. During this war several thousand secret agents of many nationalities, including over eighty women were infiltrated into occupied Europe on special operations. If you think you had (or still have) what it takes to be a special agent, Bernard will provide an illustrated talk on the training they received.

This Talk will take place on Monday, 7th December at 7.30pm If you require any further information regarding the Walks or Talks or the Information Centre please do not hesitate to contact us SANDY INFORMATION CENTRE, SANDY TOWN COUNCIL, 10 CAMBRIDGE ROAD, SANDY BEDFORDSHIRE SG19 1AX Tel 01767 681491 info@sandytowncouncil gov.uk

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APampering ROM ATICS & Beauty Holistics Welcome to Aromatics – a haven of peace, pampering and relaxation in the heart of Potton.

Check out New treatments now our amazing available with Sam – August eye brow extensions deals! and Thai foot massage Treatments include: • • • • •

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20/07/2015 15:4

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Local News

Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy help you?

Walk on Fire!

Give it a go!

Who do you know with:

Oxygen Therapy Service HERTFORDSHIRE MS THERAPY CENTRE

Do you want to try something truly different? A ‘once helping people with a variety of long term • Cancer?

• A neurological condition?

Fibromyalgia?

SportsParkinson’s Injuries? in a lifetime’ experience? How about walking on Neurological•Conditions such as•Stroke, burning embers on 12th•September?

ME/CFS as well as • MS. ” Diabetic or Leg Ulcers? • TBI?and • Broken Bones?

ME/CFS/Extreme Fatigue?

Letchworth charity The Herts MS Therapy Centre is The team at Herts MS Therapy Centre have joined offering you a night to remember a fire forces with to organise this unique Find outcombining if Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can Survivorbility improve walk with the chance support their local charity. healing, give event. takes energy. place on Saturday September Call12th Mark todayin your health, accelerate youItmore It’s only £10 to register and you need to raise a Shefford – at the STMA Social Club. on 01462 684214 Search online for ‘hyperbaric’ and condition. minimum of £140. That’s just £10 and finding Fullyour guidance and safety precautions will be in place sponsors in return for an unforgettable experience. on the night – please don’t practice orbeforehand! email This Charity has delivered 60,000 Oxygen Therapy You don’t have to walk alone… why not make a – all carefully To register online, go to http://walkonfire.eventbrite. sessions since 1988 supervised. oxygen@hmstc.net night of it with a group of friends or colleagues? co.uk. Alternatively, call Patricia on 01462 684214.

Ourfire friendly team responds fast all enquiries.

Increase the fun factor of your walk! Spectators Fortothose who would prefer a more relaxed event, are welcome and tickets will be available on the how about coming along to a Fashion Show on 3rd Registered Charity 299524 Hertfordshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre night for a barbecue and disco.

July at Broadway Hotel, Letchworth. Tickets are just 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, Herts SG6 2JF www.hertsmstherapy.org.uk “We want to offer something different to really £7.50 – you’ll enjoy light refreshments and some capture people’s intrigue and sense of adventure,” amazing savings on famous clothing brands, with up explains Patricia Saunders, Community Fundraiser. to 50% and 75% off usual prices.

“By registering now, raising the £140 sponsorship Buy your tickets online at http://msfashionshow. required will be much easier than leaving it to eventbrite.co.uk or contact Patricia on 01462 684214. the last minute. Families, friends and employers Whether you’re looking for adventure or bargains, the are often very supportive as we are a local charity Herts MS Therapy Centre has a local event for you!

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WOBURN FOREST HOLIDAY VILLAGE

Kids going to school in September?

Wondering how to fill your time?

Or are you simply wanting to get back into work?

Well look no further…

Apply now and you could be joining our friendly Housekeeping Team at the start of the new school term.

Our Housekeeping Department plays a key role ensuring our accommodation is maintained to a high standard and is the largest team on the village. We are looking for enthusiastic team players to join our busy Housekeeping team.

Housekeepers £6.86 per hour working 10am – 2.45pm on Mondays and Fridays or 18 .5 hours per week on a rota to include alternate weekends.

You will be required to conduct a full clean of our lodges and be responsible for up to 4 units of accommodation comprising Kitchen, Bedrooms etc. Accommodation is located throughout the Village reached by a maximum 15 minute walk or cycle.

Housekeepers on rota also provide a maid service.

The right candidate will be a team player, who can work on their own initiative and be willing to learn. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a team in a fast paced, quality environment.

Transport is available for some positions. For further details and to apply please visit: www.centerparcs.co.uk

At Center Parcs, we want our people to share in the success their hard work brings, enjoy a sense of wellbeing and a good lifestyle, and make the most of their time with us.

We offer unique benefits such as: • Discounted Center Parcs breaks • Day visitor passes • Free use of village facilities Along with more classic benefits such as profit share and management bonus schemes, life insurance cover, 30 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) and company sick pay.

Center Parcs, Woburn Forest Holiday Village, Millbrook, Bedford, MK45 2HZ

www.centerparcs.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

39

Local News

More Top Tips

for Fundraisers and Charities Planning to raise funds for your charity, your school, your church, or your local community group and stuck for ideas? Here are 6 easy event ideas, taken from the A to Z of Easy Fundraising Ideas on my website www. support4charities.com, where there are many more top tips for charities and fundraisers.

1. Truly Lazy Day Event This is for individuals who want to raise funds for their favourite charity. It’s great to do when the weather is not good for an outdoor event.

Invite a group of your friends around to your home, Share an evening of movie watching on DVDs, offer soft drinks, beer and wine, and a tasty finger buffet for a (good sized) donation to your favourite charity. What better way to spend a lazy evening, sharing with friends.

2. Dog’s Got Talent Show So many people simply love dogs. Invite all your local dog owners to participate in a competition for the most talented, the least talented, the most beautiful, and the ugliest pooches. Charge an entry fee, and ask the local Mums and Grannies to provide the food and drink, for a donation, and offer quirky doggie type prizes (donated by your local businesses).

3. Ink ‘n’ art Hour Easy for schools to do! Choose charming or even quirky colouring books for boys and girls. Ask each child to select their favourite picture, and charge a small fee per picture created or coloured. Do this once a week, for several weeks, and create or buy a Fundraising Thermometer showing the children week by week how much their efforts are raising for their favourite charity.

4. Jigsaw Puzzles Put together small teams to compete against each other to complete puzzles, each with the same number of puzzle pieces. Make it more interesting by having two or three rounds. Charge a fee to participate and sell 40

by Toni Hasler

delicious home mades scones, jam and cream in between rounds.

5. Speed Scrabble Put together teams of 4 to pit their wits against each other in games of scrabble with a difference. Team members are each given 7 scrabble squares at a time (28 between each team). Teams have to race against other teams until as many acceptable scrabble words are created out of their combined squares. Scoring doesn’t count as the winning team is the team with the most correctly spelled words. Teams can do as many rounds as your event allows, with the final winning team being the one with the highest number of words in the game.

Raise extra funds by serving snacks and drinks (for a donation) in between rounds.

5. 60s, 70s, 80s, or 90s karaoke party Invite guests to sing their hearts out! Serve fish and chips on newspaper for a donation, offer fruit juice, beer and wine for a donation per drink. Your guests will enjoy singing/warbling/ croaking Yellow Submarine or other songs from their era. Give a (donated) prize to the worst and best singers, voted for by the other guests.

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Ash Tree Financial Services Independent Financial Advisers For friendly and expert advice in your financial planning including: Mortgages and Home Insurance Life assurance Critical Illness Cover Income Protection Pensions and Income in Retirement Investments and Savings Contact Christopher Goodwin Ash Tree House, 48 Sutton Mill Road, Potton, SG19 2QB Tel: 01767 262760

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Hobbies

Are you Birding, By Kate McLelland Twitching or Watching?

In the late 1980s the arrival of a tiny American songbird (blown off course during its annual migration) in Larkfield, Kent, led to a mass-mobilisation of the nation’s bird lovers. Over the course of several days 2500 “twitchers” crowded into the small Tesco car park that the goldenwinged warbler had chosen as its temporary home.

In the 1980s a twitcher (the term for someone who is willing to travel many miles in order to see a rare bird at first hand) would need to rely on radio or TV reports, or home phone calls from fellow enthusiasts, in order to learn about a rare bird’s visit. Now, thanks to mobile communication, the news can be spread within seconds of the first sighting. Just this year 500 people appeared on a Norfolk beach in a matter of hours after a rare citril finch - normally only found in alpine areas of Europe – was first observed.

Such devotion to searching out rare sightings means that twitchers often find themselves in the media spotlight, but not all bird hobbyists are twitchers.

Twitching is just one aspect of a pastime that’s surprisingly broad and diverse, with activities ranging from a single individual recording birds in their local area (usually defined as a “bird-watcher”) to members of well organised groups who come together to learn everything they can about bird species, including their nesting habits, environmental usage and migration patterns. These serious hobbyists are known as “birders” and some even travel the world, taking part in competitive events.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is the UK’s leading bird charity and it has done much to protect endangered species and promote bird welfare. The society’s “Big Garden Birdwatch”, which started over 36 years ago, has become an important annual event across the country: encouraging householders to contribute to research so the RSPB can record changes in bird populations.

You can sign up for the Big Garden Birdwatch by going to the RSPB website (www.rspb.org. uk). Alternatively you may prefer to join one of the society’s local groups (enter a search for “Local Groups” on their website to find an A-Z list). Run by volunteers, these groups provide an opportunity for members to learn more about birds and wildlife and take part in talks, walks and fundraising events.

Birding UK (www.birding.uk.com) also provides information on a range of groups you can join, including “Birding Buddies”, “Bird

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Photographers”, “Bird Artists” and even “Birding Bikers”.

If you’re just getting started as a bird-watcher you’ll find a range of mobile phone apps to help you identify birds and record sightings. Ranging in price from .69p to £12.99, some even provide examples of birdsong to help with identification but care should be taken when playing recorded birdsong in the natural environment, particularly at times when birds are nesting.

Whether you’re a simple “birdwatcher” or a dedicated “birder” or “twitcher” you can be confident that you’ve chosen a hobby that will always offer interest, excitement and fresh challenges.

As climate change continues to affect the natural environment altering breeding and migration patterns - it’s good to know that keen observers are continually monitoring the nation’s birds, recording and passing on vital information that will help preserve these precious populations well into the future.

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Finance

By Ann Haldon

Credit Cards For the Life Stages With so many different credit cards to choose from, knowing which one is right for you often depends on the current stage of your life. Whether you’re a young adult just starting work, coping with the financial demands of a young family, or are approaching retirement, here are some of the features and benefits to watch out for.

Students and graduates Most student account ‘packages’ include a credit card for those who qualify, and generally offer an average Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of around 19%. Credit limits are unlikely to be more than £500, but this is often all that is needed to provide a financial cushion.

HSBC student credit card Offered alongside their student current account, you can make payments and view your balance online. Their representative variable APR is 18.9% - average for this type of card, with no annual fee payable.

Graduate cards work in much the same way, often linked to a ‘graduate’ account, and with a similar credit limit and APR. A slight difference is that some banks offer the facility to transfer an existing balance over to your new graduate card at 0% interest for a limited time.

Lloyds Bank graduate card Lloyds offer a limit of up to £500 on credit cards if you are a graduate current account holder.

A selection of cards is available depending on your income as a new graduate, with some cards offering 0% interest on balance transfers.

Young family Rewards cards Parents of young children may prefer to receive rewards and incentives from a credit card. These could include free travel insurance, commissionfree foreign currency, free days out and money-off vouchers for meals at child-friendly restaurants.

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Tesco Clubcard credit card Currently the Tesco Clubcard credit card offers five Clubcard points for every £4 spent with Tesco, including your spend on petrol. You can also earn one point for every £4 spent using the card at other outlets.

Cash back cards Cash back credit cards come in handy if you can pay back the total balance each month. You need to read the small print carefully, however, as higher penalties often apply for missed or late payments.

Santander 123 credit card Santander is currently offering 1% cash back in the major supermarkets when you use their credit card, 2% in major department stores, and 3% on petrol and transport.

Retirees A reduced income in retirement often means a narrower choice of credit cards. Banks and other financial institutions prefer to see a regular wage coming in, and some have a policy of refusing anyone over a certain age, regardless of how much money they have saved. Even if your savings are with the bank you are applying to, banks have been quite rigid on this policy of late.

Saga Platinum credit card A variable representative APR of 11.9 % makes this credit card from Saga a middle-of-the-road option in terms of interest rate. Not the lowest, but not the highest, the perks of this card currently include an introductory 0% on balance transfers and purchases for the first nine months, and 0% foreign currency fees on transactions worldwide.

The best general advice from money experts is to shop around for the best credit card. Don’t be blinded by rewards and offers – simply find a good all-round card with a low interest rate, and let the added extras be just that – extra to the main features.

www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/credit-cards/student-credit-card www.lloydsbank.com/current-accounts/graduate-account.asp www.lloydsbank.com/credit-cards.asp www.santander.co.uk/uk/credit-cards/123-credit-card www.tescobank.com/credit-cards/compare.html www.saga.co.uk/money/saga-credit-card.aspx

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47

The Lounge India Bar and Restaurant is not your average Indian restaurant and takeaway. It is somewhat more special. Serving the most delicious traditional and modern Indian fusion cuisine in a beautiful interior with a wide selection of drinks on offer from its licenced bar, you will not find a warmer welcome anywhere. Catherine Rose enjoyed some winning hospitality and delicious food at the landmark restaurant in St Neots Road, Sandy (just off the roundabout).

Owner Ohidur Rahman has been running The Lounge India in Sandy since March 2012. During that time, it has won a five star hygiene rating every year and has also gained the much coveted Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence for 2013, 2014 and 2015. It is not difficult to see why.

“Most Indian restaurants are traditional but we do a modern and traditional fusion” explains Ohidur.

“We don’t open the kitchen until 4pm so that everything is made very fresh, including our nan breads. “ Signature dishes are created by Chef Faruk Ahmed Babul, aided by his sous chef and a specialist tandoori chef. The beautifully presented Indian haute cuisine tastes as good as it looks.

I sampled one of Faruk’s latest creations, the Kebabi Taste which is cooked in a wok with a special blend of spices - it was sublime. A side dish Mitta Kodu, made with butternut squash coated with black pepper and honey then cooked with spices and herbs, is as delicious as it is unusual.

Another new dish proving popular with regular customers is the very special and unique Lounge India Chicken/Lamb Sitareh. The dish contains a secret ingredient that gives it its wonderful flavour. Chicken/Lamb Laziza is another special dish created by the Chef and is an aromatic blend of ginger, garlic and a thick tomato sauce. Other popular dishes include the Roshuni Modhu which is garlic and honey based, and Chicken Borishal – a sweet main course with mango, coconut and almonds. For the korma lovers out there, be adventurous and try the Pista Malai Murgh – a

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chicken dish with roasted pistachio flakes, butter, fresh cream, honey and ground cardamom.

Those with a love of heat are also catered for. The Monipuri Chamak for example, with its Indian Scotch bonnets is not for the faint hearted.

But perhaps one of the most unusual items on the menu is the restaurant’s signature Belgian chocolate nan bread which goes surprisingly well with hot and savoury dishes.

Every generously portioned dish is hand blended and if requested, Faruk will add fresh spices to create just the right amount of heat for a customer’s palate. He has even made a hot Chicken Korma in the past and was more than happy to spice up my mild Laziza.

Over the past three years, the restaurant has built up a loyal bank of customers from Sandy and the surrounding villages. The Lounge India takeaway delivery service goes as far as Biggleswade, Great Barford, Gamlingay and most surrounding villages.

Lounge India will try to accommodate villages further afield depending on busy nights. Collection of a takeaway is also available, with parking recently added which can accommodate up to 10 cars.

Although the restaurant is large, with a luxurious tented ceiling and views of Sandy Town Centre through its feature arched window, Ohidur will only seat 80 so that his customers do not have to ‘rub shoulders’ as in some restaurants. It makes for a very pleasant ambience that caters as well for romantic couples as for large celebratory groups, hen parties, birthdays and anniversaries – just ask the management for details. ”People come for the first time and say they will never go anywhere else” says a regular customer who now works for the restaurant.

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The Lounge India can take orders via the Just Eat and Hungry House apps as well as its website

www.loungeindiasandy.co.uk Crazy Weekend Special

The Lounge India Bar and Restaurant

Friday and Saturday Three pints of beer or three glasses of wine Starter, main course, rice or nan Only £19.95

‘Eat all you want’ Sunday buffet 12.30-7pm Adults - £8.95/ children under 11 - £4.95 7.00-10.00 pm A La Carte Menu

Weekday Special Banquet

Monday to Thursday Six-course meal – poppadum, starter, main course, side dish, rice or nan and coffee £10.95

7 St Neots Road Sandy SG19 1LB Tel: 01767 699986 www.lounge-india.co.uk

Free Parking Available Open seven days a week Monday to Saturday – 5.30-11pm Sunday – 12.30-10pm Free delivery service within a five mile radius on orders over £12 10% discount on collected orders over £12

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49

Garden

By Pippa Greenwood

Tropical Paradise As the summer’s end is not too far away, many of us will be wishing for that exotic holiday we never quite had. But you can recreate that Typically Tropical Feel in your own garden instead. The temperatures may not be quite what they might be on a real exotic holiday, but it’ll certainly help to make your garden feel warmer and more appealing, and you can be sure that it’ll last a lot longer than the classic two week long trip.

A tropical oasis might be particularly well suited to an urban garden, where temperatures are often warmer and conditions more sheltered and protected, but even if your garden gets its fair share of frosts you can still make an impact using a mixture of tender and hardy plants all of which have that exotic feel to them. Plant closely or fill ‘gaps’ with temporary plantings of the less hardy tropical look plants and you will create that dense, lush looks which spells tropical paradise.

Lush, large leaves will always help to create a rainforest or exotic atmosphere and you could even grow a miniature banana called Musa ‘Basjoo’, which shows a good degree of hardiness. Indian shot plants, also known as the cannas are great and fast growing too. For very bold, colourfully striped foliage and screaming orange flowers try Canna ‘Tropicana’, or for a larger than life effect try the banana Ensetes ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ which grows very fast and has wonderfully rich purplegreen leaves.

If you want more than just foliage, the bulbous Eucomis bicolour has out-of-this world greenish yellow flowerheads which give it the common name of ‘pineapple plant’. Another favourite of mine is the Angel’s trumpet. These gorgeous looking plants may be very poisonous but the flowers of Brugmansia (previously known as

50

Datura) as angel’s trumpet is also known, take some beating – choose white, yellow or cream and enjoy their perfume and elegant good looks.

Although not hardy if you grow it in a pot it can be kept in the garden during all but the worst weather and then brought out again once it has started to warm up the following spring.

Don’t forget the vertical surfaces such as trellis, walls and fences as they too can be given a floral and foliage makeover. These may look boring now, but will look great when covered with passion flowers, ornamental vines or the pretty Cobea scandens commonly known as the cup and saucer plant.

Then add to the ‘action’ using a few dramatic features – perhaps a Trachycarpus fortunei palm in open ground or a pot, or in the form of a sculpture or statue. If you go to the garden centre, many statues and garden ornaments are much more affordable than you might think. Partially hidden with some lush foliage they help to add to the jungle-like atmosphere.

There are plenty of tropical-effect plants to choose from including: tree ferns, phoenix palms, yuccas, cordylines, Rodgersia pinnata, Gunnera manicata, Rheum palmatum, cycads, citrus (including lemons, calamondin orange and other fruiting varieties) and bamboos.

So, you see, the potential is there to create a holiday paradise without having to leave home, brave delays at the airport, find a house or petsitter…..all you need now is a deck chair and a cocktail or two, delivered on a tray!

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for Nemaslug & other biocontrols, Speed Hoes, Speed Weeders SoftTie, pop-up crop covers, copper tape and lots more besides.

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SURECLEAN DRIVEWAY AND PATIO CLEANING SPECIALISTS ROOF MOSS REMOVAL AND GUTTER CLEANING We use a revolutionary industrial pressure rotary cleaning system to restore exterior hard surfaces to as new condition.

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For further information please call Trevor on Tel: 01767 261845 Mobile: 07941 187689 Email: Gemmaton@hotmail.co.uk

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Gardening & Wildlife

Rural Ramblings By Geoff Wharton

Meaty Beaty and Bouncy Big If you would like to grow something which is fairly easy and will really impress everyone with it’s enormous flowers, why not try the Amaryllis otherwise known as the Hippeastrum. These plants originally come from South Africa and therefore need to over-winter in a cool but frostfree place. Apart from this, they are so easy. The bulbs which are sold are very large and seem to grow well in a compost which consists of topsoil and potting compost (about 50 % of each) and a little coarse grit. I prefer to store the soil in black plastic bags with the tops open so that weed seeds will germinate and then die off and the soil dries out and becomes easier to handle.

I like to start the bulbs growing in a greenhouse and then when the weather improves, I put them outside in a sheltered place which gets maximum light. This last point is so important for flowering next year as it is the size of the bulb and the quantity of food reserves present inside, which have an effect on the size and number of flowers the following year.

In the summer supply them with plenty of water and they will produce a strong flower shoot terminating in a number of buds which will open to reveal their stunning flowers.

Like all good things, the flowers eventually fade and the dead remains should be removed, but is a good idea to leave the old flower spike to encourage food production.

Keep looking after your growing bulbs all through the summer and as the

days become shorter and cooler, reduce the watering and eventually take them inside . Most of the leaves will start to turn yellow and die back - don’t worry - the food in the leaves is being sent back to the storage organ which is the bulb.

If the plants get enough light when they are actively growing, the size of the bulb will increase every year and you may wish to re-pot and at the same time, propagate more for friends and family. Fortunately, new plants are easily produced from offsets.

So, big flowers to start, getting bigger every year and free plant offsets so once you have one you have an endless supply! I fancy the velvety dark maroon ‘Black Pearl’ next time!

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Wildlife

Spiders from the Fork

By Andy Mydellton

Clearing up my workshop, I found myself within inches of a large coal-black spider. I jumped then gave myself a wry smile that this peaceful creature had startled me without any effort whatsoever.

Spiders take refuge in buildings for warmth, comfort and safety from other predators. During the worst months, only the hardiest and most successful hunters survive to pass on their genes in the spring.

This spider must have been one of those survivors.

The spiders that inhabit this particular corner of the world are only a small representation of the 30,000 or so species alive today. Many are cannibalistic, while others hunt insects and invertebrates. Various species spin different quality silks for their web. Their safety lines are able to bridge many yards of open space.

I did not have time to identify the workshop’s spider but it would have been one of the many that usually inhabit the garden including orb, money and house spiders.

One unusual type can be found in garden ponds.

Water spiders have a very different lifestyle to those found spinning webs in hedgerows and are fascinating to watch. To search for food, they create a bell-shaped bubble which they use to breathe underwater. It allows them to remain submerged for hunting forays into the deep.

Ted Hughes’ Tales from Ovid, the ‘Metamorphoses’ tells the story of Arachne, a humbly-born woman who challenged Minerva, Goddess of Weavers to a spinning contest. When Arachne won, angry Minerva transformed her and her descendants into spiders, doomed to spin forever and spiders became known as arachnids.

The true definition of an arachnid is that they have two distinct body segments with four pairs of jointed legs. Other members of the arachnid family include mites, ticks, horseshoe crabs and scorpions! Arachnids are different to insects that have three body parts and six legs.

For years pioneering scientists have been trying

to replicate spiders’ silk for its strength, durability and richness. Incredibly, it is five times harder than steel of the same thickness. Companies plan to use it for high grade items of clothing, personal protective equipment and engineering. It shows how much society values the spider’s natural fibre.

Part of the reason why scientists have found this substance impossible to replicate is because it is made of protein. When I catch a spider weaving its intricate web, I am amazed thinking about how such a small body can reconstitute its own natural liquid into an acid that it spins out as a hardened solid.

The initial stickiness of the web tethers invertebrates that have stumbled into it, long enough for the spider to race to its doomed prey. It then kills its victim and spins the corpse into a silken coffin to return and devour its meal at leisure. Over time, the web’s deathly silk gradually loses its glue-like qualities. So the spider simply recycles this protein-rich fibre by eating it and respinning.

Considering all this, we can see spiders not as household or workshop pests, but as truly magical animals instead.

Photography: Emma Porter

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55

Local News

Prestigious Award

for Bedford & District Handicapped Riders’ Association

Bedford and District Handicapped Riders’ Association (BDHRA) has been recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2015 - the highest accolade a voluntary group can receive in the UK. Based at Willington, BDHRA has run for over 53 years offering riding therapy to disabled adults and children. The school is financed by donations and entirely led by volunteers, operating from a purposebuilt riding centre which was recently refurbished following a successful fundraising campaign. It provides vital outdoor exercise and enrichment opportunities for up to 100 disabled children and adults from local schools and clubs every week.

BDHRA is one of 187 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups in the UK to receive this year’s award which was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Winners are announced annually on the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.

BDHRA’s Mike and Elizabeth Tyler attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace where they met the Queen in May. They were presented with the award by the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire at an official ceremony last month.

The Bedford & District Riding School Association was born back in the 1950s when Jean Bedford, a current trustee and driving force behind the organisation, was seriously injured in a road traffic accident leaving her in a wheelchair.

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Local riding enthusiast and Chair of the Bedford Spastics Society (now known as SCOPE), Miriam Godber had the inspired idea that if a disabled child rode regularly, the movement of the horse would work its magic on depleted muscles and the legs would grow stronger. This is exactly what happened in Jean’s case.

Miriam persuaded doctors to allow four patients to come to her house and learn to ride her ponies.

It was from this small beginning that BDHRA was formed in 1961.

As more disabled people took advantage of the opportunity to ride, the group moved to Margaret Rogers’ Riding School in Goldington. By 1968 the waiting list was so great that with the help of Evelyn and Norman Tebbutt enough money was raised for a purpose-built school in the grounds of the rehab hospital at Moggerhanger Park, supported by the orthopaedic surgeon Bernard Cashman.

During the next 23 years, up to 100 children and young adults a week took pleasure in using these facilities until the Government decided to close the Moggerhanger site and sell off the buildings and grounds in 1990.

Fortunately, this was not the end for BDHRA but a new chapter. The land and buildings at Moggerhanger were acquired by Ivan Twigden who kindly donated a three-acre site at Balls Lane and built a superb indoor riding school and mounting pit. It was officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal in December 1992. www.bdhra.co.uk Jacquie Manners T: 01234 326198 M: 07971216014 www.mannerspr.co.uk

Four BDHRA volunteers who have clocked up 167 years between them.

Left to right are Jean Bedford MBE, Helen Dunster, Sue Hayhurst and Pat Wand.

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57

Pets

Animal Heroes Being a cat foster carer Do you love cats? But, perhaps you feel too old to commit to owning another cat; you might be moving to a new house in the next year; or you’re worried that your job is a bit insecure? If, such reasons have stopped you – then you’re just the type of responsible cat lover that would make a great cat foster carer!

The RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch is a local charity experiencing a crisis in the number of animals that are coming into their care. The amount of animals abandoned, and neglected, has increased by 65% over the last 5 years – and in Bedfordshire, this terrible figure is predominantly made up of cats.

Cats come into our care for a number of reasons.

They may have been neglected by their owners and may need medical attention, they may simply have been abandoned when a person moves house or they may be handed in when their owner feels that they are no longer able to keep them.

The cats may be young and timid, elderly, injured or they may be newborn kittens that need handrearing. They may require fostering for two days, or several months, before they can be re-homed.

The most cost-effective way of temporarily caring for these cats is through a network of volunteer cat foster carers ¬– but we need many more volunteers to help the sheer number of cats requiring our help.

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Could you satisfy your love of cats by becoming a cat foster carer? Angie is just one of our special volunteers. Here is her story: “I’ve been a foster carer for the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch for a few years now and it’s a very rewarding role. There are always a variety of different animals that need a temporary, loving and caring home. All have their own different personalities and quirks and it’s so nice getting to know them – and know that you’re doing something worthwhile. Kitten season is always exciting, but comes with it’s own problems as there’s always numerous animals that get dumped at this time – from new-born and abandoned kittens that sometimes need hand-rearing, to pregnant cats.

Although it’s always sad to see them go, the best part is getting to see them re-homed – to hopefully move on and have a better and more promising life”.

If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer, please contact us for a chat on 01234 266965 or www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk. We need carers for cats and rabbits in particular, but also dogs and other animals. So, come on – be an animal hero and please give us a call!

ANIMAL HEROES is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

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y chaps doggy day car p p Ha Offering your dog a safe fun e filled environment Est 14 yrs Open all day every day All operatives fully insured and qualified dog trainers.

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Making pets feel gorgeous since 2004 A caring and creative dog grooming service for all breeds Find us on Facebook to read our reviews

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13/03/2015 13:02 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Ask Alan Dear Alan.

I found a lump on my dog Tess‘s back. My friend says it is just a fatty lump. What should I do?

Terry.

Dear Terry Finding a lump on a pet is always worrying. There are a number of causes of lumps. From parasites (like ticks), foreign bodies (e.g. grass seeds – especially this time of year), infections and of course tumours.

Quite frequently, the mass is a tumour that may be malignant or benign. It is, unfortunately, impossible to know what type of tumour it is just by look and feel. There is a highly malignant tumour (called a mast cell tumour) that can look exactly the same as benign masses like fatty lumps and warts. Mast cell tumours are very invasive and spread quickly so early diagnosis is vital.

The only way to differentiate is to do a Fine Needle

Pets

Aspirate. This is quick and not painful. A thin needle is put into the lump to collect cells that we look at under the microscope. We will generally be able to tell you what type of mass it is.

So the best advice is to bring Tess in for an examination and fine needle aspirate. This will give you the information needed to make an informed decision.

Best wishes,

Alan

If you have any questions you would like answered, please email them to villager@ pottonvets.co.uk For more information visit

www.pottonvets.co.uk or pop into the clinic in Potton Market Square.

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61

Horoscopes

Russell Grant’s AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th

Responsibilities at work increase in early August. You actually enjoy presiding over a big project. This would be a wonderful time to go back to education and get an advanced degree.

PISCES February 20th - March 20th The second half of August proves very productive, when you’re able to team up with a creative colleague. The Full Moon on the 29th prompts you to attend to needs that aren’t being met by a partner.

ARIES March 21st - April 20th Resist the urge to rush an intimate relationship in the opening days of August. The Full Moon on the 29th will bring a shocking secret to light.

TAURUS April 21st - May 21st It will be easier to get help from your best friend, lover, or business partner in the early days of August. The New Moon on the 14th could prompt you to make changes to your domestic routine.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st Travelling with a group will be lots of fun in the beginning of August. The second half of August is perfect for expanding your home or finding a bigger place to live.

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd Your self-esteem will be low in the opening days of August. Don’t be surprised if you get a raise or are awarded a lucrative job.

LEO July 24th - August 23rd Resist the urge to talk about your private life with family in the beginning of August. Focus on living beneath your means.

The money you save will sustain you through lean times.

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VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd An intimate relationship will give you tremendous pleasure in early August. If you’re not in a relationship, this is the perfect time to find romance. Be sure to negotiate a raise in the second half of August, when your powers of persuasion will be at an all-time high.

LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd A festive party gives early August a glamorous feel. The New Moon on the 14th is perfect for joining a humanitarian organisation.

The Full Moon on the 29th brings a health problem to light.

SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd Prepare to face off with an overambitious authority figure on the 3rd. The second half of August proves quite sociable.

Be sure to attend as many parties as possible.

Spending time with friends helps put your life in a healthier perspective.

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st Don’t question your abilities in early August. Your leadership ability will be applauded on the 23rd, when you’re put in charge of an important project. The Full Moon on the 29th prompts you to spend more time on domestic pursuits.

CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th Friends will help with heavy responsibilities at the beginning of August.

Opportunities to travel, write and study will arise on or around the 11th. If you get a chance to expand your horizons, seize it.

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Business gone slow?

Let us help!

Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com

Can I go to the Paddocks for my Holiday please?

Paddocks Boarding Cattery Peaceful location. No dogs boarded.

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Telephone 01767 677 759 www.catterybedfordshire.co.uk Open all year.

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Motoring

Honda Civic Type R

By Wayne Gorrett

If you’re going to spend five years in the wilderness sans any performance models, you’d better have one almighty bang in your back pocket when you return to the fray.

Following a lengthy hiatus, Honda has launched the most eagerly-awaited performance car so far this year. Faithful disciples of Honda’s iconic Red Badge models, number in their hundreds of thousands around the world - 400 of whom have already placed advance orders, largely sight unseen.

The Style Factory The new Civic Type R looks exactly like a Type R should look.

It is gloriously shouty, has a big mouth, brandishes a Kardashianlike rear and an XXL rear wing tuned for maximum downforce.

Other aesthetics include double dual exhausts either side of a massive rear splitter, a big front splitter, flared wheel arches and the vents that adorn them.

The Inside Story The front furniture is fabulous - probably the best road car seats I’ve sat in for a while, with really tall side bolsters offering excellent support. Other tactile elements are great too – an aluminium gear lever, shapely leather steering wheel and welljudged pedal weights.

There’s plenty of headroom front and rear and the boot is huge, too.

Engines and Transmissions The new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Earth Dreams i-VTEC turbo unit produces 228 kW at 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from a lowly 2,500 rpm. It still uses the VTEC variable valve timing system, however.

All of that brutal power is received by the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox only and a helical limited-slip differential. Honda claims 0-100kph in 5.7 seconds and 269kph flat out.

The front suspension now uses a strut arrangement with a bespoke ‘dual-axis’ design to reduce centre offset, reducing torque steer by an incredible 55 per cent.

The Type R brakes are nononsense Brembo units and both performed exceptionally well on road and track.

To the left of the grippy steering wheel is a button marked +R. This sports setting immediately changes all the dials in the car to fiery red. The result is a change in engine mapping for sharper performance and steering, stability assist to maximise grip, while adaptive damping is increased by a spine-shrinking 30 per cent.

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The Drive On public roads, throwing the Type-R into sweeping corners inspires confidence as every judder of grip is fed back into the wheel. Those adaptive dampers ensure that smaller bumps are shrugged off with an ease that defies the very low-profile tyres, although potholes and crusty surfaces still crash through the structure. Start to use the performance and the engine adopts a monotonous, booming drone that is neither pleasant nor inspiring.

If you’re given an opportunity to take one of these onto the track – grasp it with both hands. You’ll discover a car that’s exceptionally racy but also very manageable and fairly forgiving. Steering is weighty but precise, with none of the expected twitchiness.

Two versions are available – a standard model at £29,995 and a GT with additional equipment at £32,295. By way of comparison, the Golf R costs £30,820.

SUMMARY The new Honda Civic Type R is an extreme car and has been well worth the wait. Its target buyer will be someone who doesn’t welcome compromise – and who sports deep enough pockets to live with that decision.

While unquestionably pricey, it is an utterly brilliant piece of automotive engineering.

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ABOVE ALL Autocentre Unit 1, Sand Road Ind. Est., Great Gransden SG19 3AH

Tel: 01767 679000

MOT TESTING For class 4 or 7 vehicles Class IV Cars and vans up to 3000kg Class VII Vans over 3000kg up to 3500kg

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SERVICING Good Garage Scheme Industry Standard Service Or to manufacturer specification

AIR CONDITIONING – Recharging of system.

DIAGNOSTICS - SNAP ON Diagnostic fault finding centre.

EXHAUSTS - Supplied and fitted to all makes of cars and vans.

BATTERIES - Supplied and fitted two and three year guarantee.

BRAKES - Discs Pads Shoes. Cylinders etc supplied and fitted.

CODE READING - Trace & rectify those alarming red dashboard warning lights.

TYRES - All makes inc. Budget Avon, Dunlop, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli.

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By Tim Saunders

A Holiday in

Travel

East Sussex

Of the 100 or so castles in England, more than 30 are in the South East - historically this region has always been most vulnerable to attack from foreign shores.

When we stay at Castle Cottage in East Sussex, there are views towards the delightful Wadhurst Castle - complete and unusually, still lived in. “Does Rapunzel live there?” asks Harriett (4). Not quite, but it has been in the same family for over 50 years and is certainly the stuff of childhood dreams.

Castle Cottage shares its Regency architectural style.

Large sash windows let copious amounts of light in. From the bedrooms, there are not only views towards the castle but also the walled garden where those seeking an exclusive venue are married. These views towards the beautiful East Sussex countryside beyond are magical.

The cottage will accommodate six guests on a selfcatering basis. All mod cons including a dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer are included: extremely useful when travelling with little ones.

We all love this spacious, characterful house, which is finished to a high standard with elegant furnishings tastefully complementing the architecture. I am drawn to the bookcase where there are various leather-bound works by the greats.

It is easy to walk to the village of Wadhurst from the 140-acre working estate. It quickly becomes clear that not only is this part of the world extremely affluent but that it is pleasingly home to a high proportion of independent traders. You have to look hard to find a well-known supermarket chain and yet it is only an hour away from London.

Many guests visit the National Trust properties and there are a variety to choose from in this area including Sissinghurst Castle which comes highly recommended.

Only about half an hour away over the Kent border, the castle itself has a varied history including use as a prison in the 1700s. We all enjoy climbing the Elizabethan tower with its splendid views across the 450-acre estate, the magnificent gardens transformed by writer Vita Sackville-West and her diplomat author husband, Harold Nicolson, in the 1930s.

At Michelham Priory, we learn the important role it played in WW2 as a home to evacuees, British and Canadian forces as well as being a farm worked by land girls. There’s also a rope museum and a forge

Harriet and Heidi run towards the Elizabethan Tower at Sissignhurt Castle which is still in use today. The priory has 800 years of history and includes England’s longest water-filled moat dating back to 1229.

Owned by Sussex Past, it is a great day out with lovely gardens, archery at weekends and art exhibitions throughout the year in conjunction with Creative Coverage. A display of plants used for medieval purposes in the physic garden is very interesting.

En route to Brighton, we stop off at the National Trust’s Sheffield Park and Gardens with historic park and woodland influenced by Capability Brown.

We have only just touched the surface of the wonders of East Sussex.

Tim Saunders is our regular travel writer. Visit his website at www.travelwriter.biz

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69

Food and Drink

Seasonal Delights Coronation Chicken

Serves 6 Ready in 20 minutes, plus chilling time This summer favourite is great for easy entertaining. For the best flavour buy a small free-range whole chicken and roast in advance. If you are short on time buy a ready roasted chicken from the hot deli counter at the supermarket.

INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp mild curry paste 150ml carton natural yoghurt 6 tbsp mayonnaise Juice of 1/2 lime Salt and freshly ground black pepper 500g cold roast chicken, sliced or torn into strips 1 ripe mango, peeled, stone removed and flesh thinly sliced 2 tsp sunflower oil 75g unsalted cashew nuts Small handful fresh coriander leaves Mix the curry paste, yoghurt, mayonnaise and lime juice in a large bowl and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

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Add the sliced chicken and toss gently to coat in the curried sauce. Arrange on a serving platter and cover and chill for 2-3 hours (or overnight).

Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the cashew nuts. Fry over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.

Leave to cool.

Just before serving, arrange the mango slices on top of the chicken and scatter over the fried cashew nuts and coriander leaves. Serve with a mixed green salad or as part of a summer buffet.

TIP • For an extra spicy flavour add a finely chopped red chilli pepper to the yoghurt and mayonnaise mixture.

• Instead of the cashews, garnish with some shredded spring onions or a handful of fresh peppery rocket leaves.

• For delicious open sandwiches, pile the Coronation chicken onto split and lightly toasted ciabatta rolls.

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Country Stoves Quarter page MAY Advert:Layout 1 10/

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Employing Powerkleen’s thorough and exhaustive carpet cleaning process will ensure that dirt, grit, allergy causing pollen and pollutants will be extracted from the base of the pile.

Rest assured that your carpets and upholstery will be professionally cleaned and cared for by a local, experienced and industry trained technician (I.I.C.R.C) when you engage our services.

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After 73

n O s ’ t Wha In August 6 May-30 September Luton Hoo Walled Garden 11am-3pm Luton Hoo, LU1 4LF Entry £5 including guided tour Open every Wednesday. Guided tour times: 11.30am, 12.30pm and 2pm.

Purchase produce from the Garden Stall. Enjoy a light lunch in beautiful surroundings of homemade cakes, snacks and savouries. Please pre-book dedicated tours for more than 15 people.

Tel: 01582 721443 Web: www.lutonhooestate.co.uk 1 August Annual Coffee Morning 10am-12 noon Colin & Diane Osborne, 2 Leeds Smith Drive, Sandy Admission £1 In aid of The Leprosy Mission. All welcome. Various stalls - Bring & Buy, Cakes, Plants, Books, etc..

1 August Summer Jazz at Cockayne Hatley 8-11pm Cockayne Hatley Church Tickets £15 including drink, Children free Millennium Eagle Jazz Band concert.

Last year the concert was a roaring success and they are back by general demand. The band has six members and plays a variety of classical jazz pieces from the 1920s and 1930s as well as later music. Tickets available from Cameron’s Newsagents in Potton.

Tel: Tony 01767 260527 for tickets and more information 74

3, 10, 17 24, & 31 August Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Branch Out is a medium-sized social club for single people and meets every Monday night. It was formed in 1995 to bring together single, divorced, widowed and separated people, aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy one another’s company. The club organises regular events, such as dinners, discos, meals, parties, Sunday walks, theatre and concert visits, day and weekend trips and holidays.

Web: www.branch-out.org.uk

6 & 20 August Biggleswade Cancer Support Group 1-3pm Community Room, Biggleswade Baptist Church Sessions free – donations welcome An informal, confidential group for cancer patients, families and friends in the Biggleswade area. It is a place to meet with others and provide mutual support.

The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.

Tel: 07812 796581 Email: csgbiggleswade@gmail.com Facebook: Biggleswade Cancer Support Group

4 August Potton Ladies Club 7.30pm The Pavilion Mill Lane, Potton Guests £4 including light refreshment Guest speaker will be Phillip Waites who is Head Gardener at Wimpole Hall.

Guests always welcome. Raffle 50p per ticket.

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month.

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n O s ’ t Wha In August 15 August Sandy Show Saturday 12-5pm Sandye Place Academy, Park Road, Sandy Admission £1, Accompanied children free Annual Sandy & District Horticultural Show. Funfair rides, Punch & Judy show, animal encounter, bouncy castle, magic show, tag rugby demo by Biggleswade Rugby Club, hot & cold food, outside bar, local craft stalls, plant stalls, sample locally brewed beer from Potton Brewery and Bedfordshire clangers from Gunn’s bakery. In the main hall displays of prize winning vegetables, flowers, plants, floral art, preserves, baking and a wide variety of crafts including many children’s classes.

Prize presentations at 4.30pm by Max McMurdo (Dragons Den). Show schedules available online or from High Street Crafts, Sandy Library, Glenn’s Farm Shop.

Web: www.thesandyshow.org.uk for more information 15 August Sandy Historical Research Group Sandy Horticultural Show, Sandye Place Academy Sandy Historical Research Group (SHRG) will have a stall at the Show. They will be displaying a few of the historic photographs and maps that they have in their extensive archives. Come along, view the SHRG display and speak to SHRG members.

17 August Gamlingay St Mary’s Church Ladies Guild 7.30pm Gamlingay Church Hall Visitors £3 Speaker is Audrey Williams on New Zealand wildlife. All ladies welcome.

Tel: 07749676426 for more details 18 August Gamlingay W I 7.30pm Gamlingay W I Hall Speaker will be Mrs Elle Seymour on “The Shop Girls”. Visitors always welcome.

20 August Biggleswade Probus Club 12.15pm Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade Biggleswade Probus Club opens its doors to lady members.

Probus is an Association of Non Political, non-sectarian, usually retired individuals. The Club has been in existence as a men’s organisation for many years; however, they now look to the future welcoming lady members to the fold! They enjoy conversation and a 4 course meal followed by a guest speaker, on the third Thursday every month concluding at approximately 3pm. A pay bar is also available. They do hope to recruit new members with this new initiative, with the opportunity to meet like-minded local social individuals. Why not give us a try?

Tel: Peter Noakes, Secretary 01462 700404 to join or for more information

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

25 August Knit & Natter 10am-12 noon Moggerhanger Church The group meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month.

27 August Potton History Society Meeting 7.30pm or 8pm The Community Centre, Brook End, Potton ‘Victorian Rural Life in Cambridgeshire’ with Mike Petty. Mike is well known for his knowledge of Cambridgeshire and is an award winning speaker. He reveals the harsh reality of daily life in the Parishes. Visitors and new members welcome. Light refreshments provided.

Web: www.pottonhistorysociety.com 30 August Old Warden Annual Grand Village Fete 2pm Old Warden Cricket Ground Free admission To be opened by Bob the Minion.

Many stalls including traditional games and competitions, craft stalls, tombola, raffle, teas and cakes and BBQ. Children’s entertainment, face painting and bouncy castle. Demonstration by the English School of Falconry. Fun Dog show. Free parking.

Tel: Mrs Dawn Marshall 01767 627753 or Rod Ives 01767 627569 for enquiries

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Tel: 01767 261622 Mob: 07947 732883 Email: dialporter01@tiscali.co.uk

Free Estimates

Tel: 01767 680532 Mob: 0774 600 8188

cjpainting@hotmail.co.uk 15 Years Experience

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Beer at Home

Britain is – in case you hadn’t noticed – in the grip of a so-called craft brewing revolution. In the last decade the number of small independent brewers has grown threefold to nearly 1,500.

Many hop varieties contain exactly the same volatiles that give fruits their individual flavours – farnesene, for instance, which helps give the orange its taste, is also found in many hop strains – but green fruit flavours can be derived from certain combinations of malt; and peardrop-flavoured esters are a by-product of particular fermentation techniques.

This summer, then, I offer you a couple of fruity beers that actually contain no fruit!

Caledonian Deuchar’s IPA at 4.4% abv is almost as pale as lemon, and lemon is the note that dominates the sweetish aroma. The mouthfeel is creamy but the

Food & Drink

By Ted Bruning

palate has a sharp bitterness more reminiscent of grapefruit than anything else. The finish is long and dry with more than a hint of bitter lemon.

In the case of Deuchar’s IPA the fruit character comes from the hop grist of Fuggles, Styrian Goldings, and Willamette, along with a wee bit of wheat in the malt grist. Badger’s Tanglefoot (5% abv) is just as fruity but in a different way. A light gold in colour, the nose is all malt – grassy, biscuit, almost earthy. But berry fruits come through in the soft, rich palate, and there’s more soft fruit in the finish – although whereas the brewery cites flavours of melon and peach, to me it’s more strawberry and blackberry.

“Read This ONLY If You Are A Homeowner In The Biggleswade Area” Your neighbour’s patio in Biggleswade has just be been professionally cleaned and now looks fantastic in time for summer relaxing and entertaining outdoors.

Get yours professionally cleaned and looking beautiful in time for you to relax and enjoy the warm outdoor weather.

Bring the “feel good” factor back to your home NOW. No fuss, no mess, just excellent results delivered every time to quickly transform the appearance of the exterior surfaces around your home.

Call Powerkleen NOW!!

To arrange your FREE quotation.

Tel 01767318391 or Mob 07765363459 The quicker you call the sooner you will have the appearance of your home that you will be proud of. Guaranteed.

Before

Powerkleen your local experienced professional solution to your exterior cleaning needs Call Now! Tel 01767318391 or Mob. 07765363459

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After 77

Clean and Tidy Housekeeping Services Bring you a professional and reliable service

Let us ask you one question, has life become too hectic? Maybe we can help....

Fully insured, highly professional, discreet, competitive rates.

For further information contact Rachel or Scott on:Tel: 01767 631755 Mob: 07804 187266 Email: cleanandtidygroup@gmail.com

1st Glass Window Repairs 30

years experience

FULLY INSURED! Local company who can fix all types of problems with your double glazing, call us now for a free quotation.

Steamed Up Glass Faulty Windows, Door Locks or Hinges Draughty Windows or Doors Leaking Conservatory Roofs Fascias and Gutters New Conservatory Roofs We also supply and fit NEW Windows, Doors and Conservatories

DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE

07511 906161

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Sureclean DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Decor 8

Building services

• Spot stain and odour removal • Anti-stain protection • Leather suites cleaned and reconditioned • Tile and grout cleaning • The very latest equipment used • All work guaranteed • Fully insured • Local company

Professional building work to home owners & businesses Extensions Roofing Loft conversion Bathrooms Refurbishment Kitchens Decorating Tiling

01767 400127 or 07870 338074

Daniel Stratton Office: 01767 769970 Mobile: 07837962490 Email: Decor8@live.co.uk

Creating beautiful living spaces

(interior & exterior)

All building works can be undertaken

Contact us for a free no obligation quotation

Window Doctor Repairs to Windows, Doors & Conservatories • • • • • • •

Misty Units New Locks Draughty Windows Dropped Doors Broken Hinges/Handles Extra Security Installation of New Windows, Doors and Conservatories

25 Years Experience Contact Stewart Gyles on T: 0798 444 1638 or

01767 221 057

E: stewy_133@msn.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

79

Codeword 1

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14

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles.

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For all your oven cleaning needs, using a Non-toxic, Non-caustic cleaning solution

Prices

s/oven (all inc.)...£40.00

d/oven (all inc.)...£52.00

extractors from...£16.00 microwaves.....£16.00

hobs from....£12.00 BBQs, Agas and Ranges individually priced.

Extensions New builds Rewires Smoke alarms Landlord certificates Fault finding and repairs Consumer unit replacements Lighting and power (internal & external) Boiler controls Inspection and testing Free quotations Part P approved All types of electrical work undertaken

We cover Beds - Herts - South Cambs Contact us now

Tel: 01767 681 667 Mob: 07817 011 957 email: enquiries@ovenmaestro.co.uk www.ovenmaestro.co.uk

Tel: (01767) 641575 Mobile: (07881) 627423 Email: cmfelectrical@hotmail.co.uk

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81

J. Jenkins

Building Services Extensions New Build Renovations Garage Conversions Loft Conversions Kitchen Fitting Driveways and Patios

For all your building needs Call John on 01767 222219 or 07831 283296 Email: chippyjenkins@gmail.com References available on request

• Supply & fit at competitive prices • Free home calls to estimate & advise • Friendly reliable service For all enquiries, please call or email:

01480 509 685 M: 07833 222 199 T:

E: pgscarpets@hotmail.co.uk

T&R Roofing Ltd

Family Business Est. 1985

• Felt Roofing Specialists (10 year & 15 year guarantee on high performance felts) • Tiling, Slating, Guttering • UPVC Facia/Soffits • Chimney Work

All NEW work guaranteed Fully insured for employer & Public Liability Call Tony Simpson for a FREE estimate on:

01767 314847 mob. 07831849847 82

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WORDWHEEL

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

TARGET Excellent: 30 or more words Good: 24 words Fair: 19 words

S E

V

A

R T

R

E

PK Cleaning Services Est. since 1988

•

• • • • •

Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Leather Cleaning Window Cleaning UPVC Fascia Cleaning Patio and Driveway Cleaning Gutter and Soffit Cleaning

Free Estimates Friendly and Reliable Service

Paul Kaiser Home 01767 222822 Mobile 07812 335860 Visit us on

www.pk-cleaningservices.co.uk

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83

• • • • • • • •

Wood Burning Stoves Multi Fuel Stoves Chimney Lining Twin Wall Flue Systems Installation and Supply Fireplace Renovations Stove Accessories Trade Sales

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Friday, Saturday & Monday – 10am—5pm Other Days/Out of hours by prior arrangement

Unit 2 Home Farm Court, The Street, Diddington, St Neots, PE19 5XT info@cromwellstoves.co.uk | 01480 812281 | 07786 854946

www.cromwellstoves.co.uk

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July’s Crossword, Codeword and Suduko Solutions Last Month’s Crossword Winner Pauline Mullarkey from Cambourne

Easy

Hard

3 Windows 3 Doors 3 Conservatories 3 Orangeries 3 Bi folds 3 Repairs T: 01767 765440

E: sales@i-glaze.co.uk

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

W: www.i-glaze.co.uk 85

The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Make a choice (6) 4 Railings (6) 9 Enlarged (7) 10 Headgear (5) 11 Home planet (5) 12 Citrus fruits (7) 13 Rural area (11) 18 Leaving (7) 20 Answer (5) 22 Devoured (5) 23 Closest (7) 24 Withstand (6) 25 Narrow river (6) Down 2 Singing group (5) 3 Sea mammal (7) 5 Surplus (5) 6 Altered (7)

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before

14th August 2015 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP



1 Remove doubt (6)

7 Scarce (6) 8 Supporting (11) 14 Not included (7) 15 Butler or maid (7) 16 Remove (6) 17 Scheme (6) 19 Not outer (5) 21 Portion (5)

Name: Tel: Address:

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KEMP GARAGE DOORS SALES • INSTALLATION • REPAIRS • Family Run Business • 25 Years Experience • Up and Over • Sectional and Roller Doors www.kempgaragedoors.co.uk • Security Shutters

• Remote Control Door

SANDY • POTTON • All Major Brands

Supplied and Serviced

BIGGLESWADE • Call for a Free AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Quotation

• OAP Rates Available

01767 260165 Sandy

01480 210410 Eaton Socon To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

87

Julian Biggs Plumbing OCT Advert:Layout 1 10/09/201

DRIFTWOOD JOINERY LTD Specialists in Bespoke Joinery

Julian Biggs Plumbing& Heating All aspects of plumbing & heating work Boilers - Servicing, Repairs, Installation Bathroom, showers and taps leaking taps to full installation

NO CALL OUT CHARGE • COMPETITIVE RATES

Tel: 01767 627591 07950 705479

www.julianbiggsplumbingandheating.co.uk

Conservatories • Doors • Windows Staircases Handmade Kitchens Handmade Bedroom Furniture

Unit 12, Gracious Farm, Southill, Beds SG18 9JB T: 01462 816695 F: 01462 850915 E: info@driftwoodjoinery.com

located in Northill, Beds

Fully qualified and insured • All work guaranteed Free Quotations • Local, professional & reliable

We now supply wood and kindling!

Call now or visit our website

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

89

Comet Cleaning Services Commercial & Residential Cleaners • Commercial and Domestic Cleaners • Builders/Landlord Cleans • Experienced and Personal Service • Regular, Weekly/Spring Clean • Fully Insured/Ref's Available • No up front fee's/contracts

01767 631402 Mob: 07762 462866 Tel:

Email: comet.services@virgin.net

www.cometcleaningservices.co.uk

Mark Dilley Electrical Part P Registered Company 22386 Extra sockets - Lighting Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers Inspections No job too small Free estimates All work to BS7671 regulations City and Guilds qualified

Tel: 01767 261008 Mob: 07990 895430

mark.dilley@btinternet.com

D . S. LEWIS CARPENTRY & BUILDING • KITCHENS, BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS • FULL PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT • PROPERTY MAINTENANCE • FLAT PACK ASSEMBLY • GARAGE CONVERSIONS • GARDEN BUILDING ASSEMBLY • RESTORATION & NEWBUILD CARPENTRY

Commercial and Domestic

01480 473524 07967 184163

danlewis.carpentrybuilding@gmail.com Fully Insured Established 1990 90

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Multi Fuel

Stoves See our LIVE demo stoves

• Authorised Arada Retailer • Fireplaces updated & restyled • Range of wooden mantlepieces/surrounds • HETAS certified installation www.phestoves.com info@phestoves.com

phe

T M E

proactive heating & environmental services

Sales & Service: 07772 346 678 Showroom: 01223 207 993 UNITS 1&2, ROAD FARM, WENDY, ROYSTON SG8 0AA OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY 10-3pm | SATURDAY 10-4.30pm

Villager 1/4 page advert.indd 1

15/01/2015 10:28

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91

Books Classifieds

Book Review

By Bruce Edwards Missing Reels

Builders “YOUNG’S BUILDERS” “YOUR LOCAL PROFESSIONAL MASTER BUILDERS” “QUALITY AND VALUE FROM START TO FINISH”

Farran Smith Nehme

Pub: Duckworth h/b £16.99 ISBN: 978-0-7156-4990-9

Garage conversions from £5.9K

It’s far too easy to stay wrapped up in frothy ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ quick reads taken off the cheapy piles in your nearest chain-store book shop or downloaded at next-to- no cost from one of the ever present e-book providers. So here is something entirely different. Quoted as ‘screwball comedy wedded to a gothic novel’ this has to be taken with the pinch of salt - perhaps so unbelievably impossible and way-out it could only be set against an American backdrop.

Ceinwen - such a nice Welsh name - takes an hour and a half to get ready for an evening out in 1980’s Manhattan, and at the same time becomes involved with Matthew who’s very British.

She goes to the movies, as one does. It’s a life changing act - and to find one missing piece of an ancient reel starts her on a very involved search.

Conversationally rich, descriptive on a frame-byframe basis, it’ll keep you chuckling from end to end, and tell you more about that era than you ever thought possible. As there’s something about proper film that inspires romance, how could she possibly like something that falls into the category of ‘cgi’ - computer generated imagery, i.e. a digitalised production? Early cellulose can be a very difficult film stock to handle - but our expert author does it very well. Worth searching for.

Extension - Sunrooms

Call 07811 985568 or 01767 261803 www.youngsbuilders.co.uk “Free quotes • Excellent references”

• • • • •

Extensions & Sunrooms Garage & Loft Conversions Walls, Patios & Decking General Building Work Property Maintenance

Chauffeur Cars

Suggestion and queries to: writerselect@gmail. com. We’re always happy to consider specific titles for review, though without obligation.

Can’t find a title? E-mail your details and we’ll try to help.”

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Classifieds Electricians

Decorating Services

DECORATING SERVICES

• Over 25 years experience • No job too big or too small • Free estimates T: 01767

222 028

M: 07887

618 832

email: topcoat@ntlworld.com Sellors and Lettors Bcard:Layout 1 10/10/2014 13:01 Page 1

Estate Agents

Domestic Repairs

Domestic Appliance Repairs Washing Machines • Cookers Fridges • Vacs • Dryers

Bill Tangye

Beds Tel By or appointment only - 4 Stratford Road, Sandy, Mob 01767 650750Tel: 07711 07802 393331 257105

Sellors and Lettors 19 High Street Biggleswade SG18 0JE Tel 01767 315666 Fax 01767 318747 Email sellors.lettors@btinternet.com

Fencing

Domestic Repairs JB Domestic Guaranteed Repairs To: Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Electric Ovens/Cookers Dishwashers No Call Out Charge!

Tel: 01767 680621 Mobile: 07778 891490 Paul Goodchild advert.pdf

Electricians

1

19/05/2015

PG ELECTRICAL For all your electrical work Fully qualified and insured No job too small All work guaranteed Call Paul on

01767 221363 07740 099195

10:06

Garden Machinery Service/Repair Garden Machinery & Mowers Expert Service and Repair Collection & delivery available Unit 12a Whites Farm, Great North Road, Biggleswade SG18 9BE Tel: 01767 600085 Mob: 07593 553581

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93

Classifieds Garden Specialist

Painting Services

Hillier Garden Services All general garden maintenance jobs undertaken Over 20 years experience For all your gardening needs call Steve

01767 699252 07901 985123

Garden Specialist

S Classified advert.indd 1

Pet Services

14/04/2015 21:23

Local, honest, professional service

Plastering Services

Handy Man

Steve Swain

Plastering, Painting & Decorating Painting & Decorating Plastering, Pebble Dashing Rendering, Screeding Mob: 07887 861881 Tel: 01767 226404

Kitchen & Bathroom Fitter

Plastering Services

M. Philmore (Phil) - Kitchen and Bathroom Fitter Disabled showers supplied and fitted.

General plumbing.

57 Green Acres, Gamlingay, Beds. SG19 3LR Tel: 01767 650619 Mobile: 07870366414

94

bers

ham DaveteCring Plas

ng plasteri ects of All asp aken g undert our plasterin y 56 For all call Dave 9 6252 needs | 0797

01767

2

31602

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Classifieds Property Improvements

Private Car Hire

A professional property maintenance service

Property Improvements by

Gary Hare Carpentry • Kitchens • Bedrooms Decorating • Flooring Bathrooms •Tiling • and more...

Tel: 01767 651821 Mob: 07773 973420

Removals & Storage

Private Car Hire

Mats Cars Private Hire Potton Based

4+7 Seater Cars Available

Airport/Stations/Nights Out etc Local and Long Distance Tel: 01767 261871 Mob: 07983 218367 www.mats-cars.co.uk All major credit/debit cards accepted

Property Improvements

GB

GARY BERRIDGE Plasterer & General Maintenance Including UPVC Doors and Windows Tiling, Painting and Decorating Free Quotes

removals, storage, archive and shipping • House and office moves • Large and small vehicles • Local/long distance and overseas removals • Containerised storage • Extremely high quality customer service Call for a no obligation quotation

01767 313230

enquiries@stephensremovals.com

Removals

Stephens Dinky ad_03.indd 1

MUSCLE & MOTOR Jumbo van with up to 3 men.

Helpful, efficient and friendly service for all your moving, carrying, and domestic disposal needs, including house and garage clearance.

Call Richard on: 01767 317387 or 07968 787496

T: 01767 316485 M: 07582 485155 E: garyberridge@ymail.com

Property Improvements

3/12/12 11:45:18

Email: muscleandmotor@gmail.com www.muscleandmotor.co.uk

Window Cleaning

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95

01767 682789

Stylist Position Available Within Friends Five Star Hairdressing We are looking to fill a position within a very busy salon, we class ourselves as a highly educated colour salon using an award winning brand with constant education.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about hairdressing, wants to move forward in their career, whilst giving you excellent rates of pay with flexible working times.

This position is open to either full time or part-time, you have to be experienced in running a full column and are currently working within the industry.

If this is you then we’d love to meet you.

Please contact Liz either by: Email: friendshairdressing@gmail.com Phone: 01767 682789 or drop you CV into the salon (All interviews and conversations are private and confidential)

Opening Hours: Mon, Tues & Fri 9.30 - 6.00pm, Wed & Thurs 9.30 - 9.00pm, Sat 8.30 - 4.00pm www.friendsfivestarhairdressing.com facebook.com/friendshair Friends Five Star Hairdressing 1 Market Square, Sandy, Beds SG19 1HT Tel. 01767 682 789